Catholic Bishops Tell Tinubu the Truth, Politicians May Lie to Him - Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has defended the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing the bishops as the “conscience of the country” whose responsibility is to speak truth to those in authority.

Speaking during a television interview, the former Abia State governor said the bishops’ observations about the state of the nation should not be interpreted as an attack on the President but as sincere advice intended to strengthen governance.

“To me, the Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country, and once they give advice, their advice is not for or against anybody,” Kalu said.

According to him, the bishops exist to tell leaders what they believe is right, regardless of whether their message is pleasant or uncomfortable.

“Their advice is for any sitting president or leader to see things the way they should be,” he added.

Kalu acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face economic challenges but argued that many of the country’s problems did not begin under President Tinubu’s administration.

He maintained that while the government has made progress in stabilising aspects of the economy, ordinary Nigerians are still experiencing hardship.

“The difficulties in Nigeria are not new, and they are not entirely the fault of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The senator said he fully supported the bishops’ visit, insisting that constructive criticism should encourage the President to improve governance rather than create unnecessary controversy.

“I support the visit of the Catholic Bishops. It should encourage the President to work harder because they are simply telling him the truth,” Kalu stated.

He added that unlike politicians, who may sometimes present overly optimistic reports to those in power, Catholic bishops are guided by moral responsibility.

“Even if we politicians are lying to him that certain things are good, the Catholic Bishops can never say that. That is why they are Catholic Bishops,” he said.

Kalu also corrected what he described as a widespread misconception about the leadership of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

He noted that Cardinal John Onaiyekan, whose comments after the meeting generated public debate, is not the current President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

“I want to correct one thing. Cardinal Onaiyekan is not the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and people are making that mistake,” he said.

According to Kalu, any disagreement arising from the bishops’ remarks should not be viewed as a conflict between the Church and the Presidency but as an opportunity for reflection.

He urged government officials and political leaders to carefully study the concerns raised by the bishops and use them to improve governance.

“It is left for us who work with President Tinubu to go back, analyse what they said and come out with solutions that will make Nigerians proud,” he added.

Kalu’s remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the bishops’ assessment of Nigeria’s economic situation and the Presidency’s response to comments made by Cardinal Onaiyekan following the meeting.