Catholic Bishops Are Nigeria’s Conscience, Tinubu Should Heed Their Advice – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has described the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) as “the conscience of the country,” urging President Bola Tinubu to carefully reflect on the bishops’ concerns rather than view them as political criticism.

Speaking in a video shared on his Facebook page, Kalu reacted to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the CBCN at the State House, Abuja, as well as the public debate that followed.

According to the former Abia State governor, the Catholic bishops have a moral responsibility to speak the truth to those in authority. They should not be dismissed when they draw attention to the country’s challenges.

“To me, the Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country. Once they give advice, their advice is neither for nor against anybody. It is simply to help any sitting president or leader see things the way they should be,” Kalu said.

He acknowledged that Nigerians are facing economic hardship but maintained that the country’s current situation was not solely the fault of President Tinubu.

“There is difficulty in Nigeria, there is no doubt. It is not the fault of President Bola Tinubu. We have made progress with the macro-economy, but the micro-economy is where we are still having problems,” he stated.

Kalu commended the bishops for openly expressing their views, saying their intervention should encourage the President to intensify efforts at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“Even if politicians tell the President that everything is fine, the Catholic Bishops can never do that. They will always tell him the truth, and that is why I support their visit. It should motivate the President to work harder,” he added.

The senator also corrected what he described as a public misconception, clarifying that the Catholic cardinal widely referenced in public discussions is not the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

He stressed that any concerns raised by the bishops should be objectively reviewed by government officials and translated into policies that would improve the lives of citizens.

“It is left for those of us working with the President to analyse what they have said and come up with solutions that will make Nigerians proud,” he said.

Kalu also welcomed President Tinubu’s decision to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as the right move.

“There was no need to drop him. It could have been suicidal to do so. The President has taken the right decision in retaining his Vice President,” he said.

While expressing confidence in the administration’s economic reforms, Kalu urged the Federal Government to focus more on reviving the grassroots economy and strengthening security.

“The economy was virtually dead and has been resuscitated by the President. Now the government must focus on the economy, especially the micro-economy. I also commend the President and the National Security Adviser for their efforts to improve security because without tackling criminals, we cannot revive economic activities at the grassroots,” he said.

Sharing details of the meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cardinal John Onaiyekan said they informed the President that the nation was bleeding and the economy wasn’t helping the poor.

“We told him the nation is bleeding. He said the nation is not bleeding. We told him the economy is not helping the poor. He said the economy is doing fine.“

“As bishops, we have no ambition to take Tinubu’s job. We are not politicians running for office. We are religious leaders who believe we have a duty not only to preach religious doctrine but also to address the realities of our people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, the visit has generated a lot of controversy.