Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has described the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) as the “conscience of the country,” urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his advisers to carefully consider the concerns recently raised by the bishops rather than dismiss them as political criticism.
Kalu made the remarks in a video shared on his Facebook page while reacting to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the CBCN at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as well as the public debate that followed.
The controversy began after the bishops, led by CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with the President and expressed concerns over rising economic hardship, insecurity and the general state of the nation. Tinubu defended his administration’s reforms during the meeting, insisting that the economy was gradually stabilising and highlighting improvements in other sectors.
The discussion later generated fresh reactions after Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, said in a television interview that the bishops had informed the President that Nigeria was “bleeding” under the weight of worsening economic conditions. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala subsequently criticised the remarks, arguing that they did not represent the views of all Christians and alleging political bias within the Catholic Church.
Reacting to the exchanges, Kalu said the bishops’ intervention should be viewed as constructive advice rather than opposition to the government.
“To me, the Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country. And once they give advice, their advice is not for or against. Their advice is just for any sitting president, any sitting leader, to see things the way it should be,” he said.
The former Abia State governor acknowledged that many Nigerians were facing economic hardship but argued that the country’s current challenges could not be blamed solely on the Tinubu administration.
“There’s difficulty in Nigeria, there’s no doubt. And it’s not the fault of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Kalu stated.
He added that while the administration had made progress in stabilising key macroeconomic indicators, the benefits had yet to reach ordinary Nigerians.
According to the senator, religious leaders have a responsibility to speak truthfully about national issues, even when their views may be uncomfortable for those in government.
“Even if we politicians are lying to him and say things are good everywhere, the Catholic bishops can never say that. And that’s why they are Catholic bishops,” he said.
Kalu also clarified that Cardinal Onaiyekan is not the current president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, noting that some public commentators had incorrectly described him as the head of the organisation.
He urged members of the President’s team to objectively analyse the bishops’ observations and use them to improve governance.
“It’s left for us who work with President Tinubu to take back to our rooms and analyse what they say and come out with a beautiful thing that will make Nigerians happy,” he added.
