The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s engagement with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), criticizing comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the meeting and insisting that the discussions should have remained confidential.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, said the bishops had requested the audience with the President, who listened to their concerns on the country’s economic, social and security challenges before responding to the issues raised.
Ajayi argued that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s subsequent television interview was inappropriate, describing it as inconsistent with the discretion expected of clerical office. He maintained that the bishops’ observations about the state of the nation represented one perspective that could be debated and challenged.
According to the presidential aide, President Tinubu addressed the concerns raised during the meeting with factual explanations on his administration’s economic reforms, security efforts and the issue of mission schools.
On the question of mission schools, Ajayi said the President explained that ownership and control of schools fall under the constitutional authority of state governments, encouraging the bishops to engage state governors on the matter. He also recalled that Tinubu returned mission schools to their original owners while serving as governor of Lagos State.
Ajayi said the President acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but emphasized that his administration had laid the groundwork for economic recovery and was focused on ensuring that citizens benefit from ongoing reforms.
He added that improved fiscal management under the current administration had enabled many states to meet financial obligations, including the regular payment of salaries and pensions.
On security, Ajayi noted that Tinubu recognized the country’s challenges but highlighted progress recorded by the military and intelligence agencies. He said the President, as Commander-in-Chief, receives detailed operational briefings and intelligence reports that provide a broader understanding of the security situation than what is publicly available.
The presidential spokesman also rejected the suggestion that the Catholic Bishops were the sole voice capable of informing the President about the realities facing Nigerians, stressing that Tinubu receives input from government institutions, the media and various stakeholders across the country.
Ajayi described the meeting as an example of healthy democratic engagement but maintained that its confidentiality should have been respected. He added that holders of clerical office bear a responsibility to exercise restraint and discretion, particularly when discussions involve matters of national importance.
