The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured Catholic bishops that Nigeria’s economy is improving, despite the widespread hardship being experienced by many citizens.
Speaking after a meeting between the President and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Onaiyekan said President Tinubu maintained that his administration’s economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results.
According to the Cardinal, the bishops, however, used the opportunity to present the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians, including rising inflation, the high cost of living, insecurity, and growing economic hardship.
“He told us that the economy is doing fine,” Onaiyekan said, adding that the bishops conveyed the concerns and experiences of citizens affected by the country’s economic challenges.
Onaiyekan stressed that the Catholic bishops have no political ambitions and are not aligned with any political party, noting that their responsibility is to speak truthfully on issues affecting the nation.
“Our duty is not to seek political office but to tell the truth as we see it and to speak on behalf of the people, especially those who are suffering,” he said.
The meeting formed part of ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and religious leaders on national issues, with the bishops reiterating the need for policies that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.
