“It Was Very Obvious” – Wike Reacts To Cardinal Onaiyekan Comments On Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has questioned the neutrality of the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, claiming the cleric was not impartial during the 2023 general elections.

Wike made these assertions during a media parley on Tuesday, responding to the ongoing public debate following Cardinal Onaiyekan’s remarks after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Previously, the Cardinal stated in an interview that advisers were presenting a “rosy picture” of Nigeria to President Tinubu, suggesting the President’s primary focus remains securing victory in the 2027 elections.

The Presidency subsequently criticized the cleric for disclosing details of a closed-door meeting, calling it an abuse of privilege.

Addressing the controversy, Wike argued that public commentary from religious leaders must remain balanced, noting that constant criticism without acknowledging government performance looks politically motivated.

“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side, which is very clear, it is very difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful,” Wike stated.

He added, “I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know, it’s not hidden, whom he supports; everybody knows that.”

The FCT minister maintained that while constructive criticism is welcome, leaders should acknowledge progress where it exists.

“It’s not every time you say things are bad; nobody has heard you say government has done this well,” Wike said, emphasizing that consistently negative interventions lead the government to view the feedback through a political lens.

Challenging the notion that the religious body remained non-partisan, Wike concluded, “Don’t tell me they’re not partisan. You know what happened in the 2023 election. People took sides, religious leaders took sides, it was very open. I would be stupid to sit here for anybody to tell me this person is impartial. No. We know ourselves in this country; we know who belongs to where. Who did they support in 2023? It was very obvious.”