The first time I met Cardinal John Onaiyekan was in 2010 at the sacristy of St. Mary’s Cathedral. As a seminarian, I was deeply struck by his humility, calm disposition, candour, and remarkable knowledge of my diocese and the South-East. That brief encounter left a lasting impression on me.
As a priest, I have had the privilege of engaging with him through webinars and other intellectual platforms. His influence extends far beyond ecclesiastical affairs. Cardinal Onaiyekan is, without doubt, one of Nigeria’s most respected moral voices—a man whose passion for the transformation of our country has remained unwavering.
Over the years, he has consistently spoken truth to power with courage, wisdom, and integrity. He is one of the leading figures who has helped shape the mission and public witness of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
I am particularly proud that our bishops have continued to stand as the nation’s conscience, persistently challenging those in authority to confront the worsening insecurity and the harsh economic policies that have deepened the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu may have hoped to be received with words of affirmation and symbolic blessings from the Catholic bishops. Instead, he was met by prophetic voices that echoed the concerns, frustrations, and pain of millions of Nigerians.
While the President maintained that the country is on the right path, Cardinal Onaiyekan’s assessment of the meeting painted a different picture. His warning that Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party state and his concern that the ruling APC appears determined to retain power at all costs deserve careful reflection.
Whether one agrees with his conclusions or not, they represent a serious contribution to the national conversation rather than mere political criticism.
At a time when many influential voices choose silence or caution, the CBCN has remained steadfast in reminding the government that leadership is ultimately about the welfare of the people. Their prophetic witness reflects the Church’s enduring commitment to justice, human dignity, peace, and the common good.
The bishops’ message was not one of hostility but of accountability. In every healthy democracy, institutions that speak truth to power are indispensable. The Church fulfils one of its noblest responsibilities when it amplifies the cries of the poor, challenges injustice, and calls leaders back to the principles of good governance.
Nigeria’s current economic hardship, persistent insecurity, and growing political tensions demand honest dialogue rather than comforting rhetoric. It is in that spirit that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s intervention should be understood.
To leave the cries of Nigerians to be drowned by the voices of hungry and desperate Batists like Daniel Bwala and Reno Omokri is not only a neglect but a grave moral error that will hunt those who should stand for our collective conscience.
At this moment, I must confess that I am not only feeling great being a Catholic, but very proud of our bishops for standing up to a government that appears to be presiding over the ruination of a once-great country.
**Fr. Anwuchie is a Catholic missionary priest based in Niger Republic.
