The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the neutrality of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, alleging that the cleric openly took sides during the 2023 general election.
Wike made the remarks during a media parley on Tuesday, August 4, monitored by The News Chronicle, while responding to questions about comments Onaiyekan made after a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
Following the meeting, Onaiyekan had claimed that some of those around President Tinubu were painting a “rosy picture” of the country’s situation, adding that the President appeared to be more focused on securing victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The Presidency, however, faulted the cardinal for publicly disclosing details of the closed-door meeting, describing the action as an abuse of the privilege extended to the bishops.
Weighing in on the controversy, Wike insisted that religious leaders must remain balanced in their public interventions, warning that persistent criticism without acknowledging the government’s achievements could easily be viewed as politically motivated.
The FCT minister further claimed that Onaiyekan’s political leaning was no secret, maintaining that “everybody knows who he is supporting.”
