The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration by Cardinal John Onaiyekan as partisan.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during his monthly media chat with selected journalists in Abuja, where he addressed a range of national and local issues.
His comments follow recent concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over the state of the nation and economic hardship faced by Nigerians. The concerns were presented during a courtesy visit to the president at the State House in Abuja.
Speaking afterwards on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, Onaiyekan said Tinubu disagreed with the message delivered by the bishops and was unhappy with their position. He added that the clerics had told the president that the country is struggling and that the economy is taking a toll on citizens.
The remarks triggered reactions from presidential aides, including Daniel Bwala, who accused the cleric of taking a political stance.
Reacting during the media chat, Wike said the cardinal’s position is widely known and should not be viewed as neutral.
“I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan. All of us know… it’s not hidden. Who he supports? Everybody knows that,” the minister said.
The former Rivers State governor argued that the cleric’s past actions during the 2023 elections make it difficult to consider his criticisms as impartial.
“Please don’t tell me he is not partisan, don’t tell me that. You know what happened during the 2023 election? People took sides, leaders took sides. It was very open,” he said.
“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 where.”
While speaking further, Wike stressed that he is not opposed to criticism of the government but cautioned against consistent one-sided commentary.
“I have always said this, particularly to religious leaders and our elders, I’m not against comments about the government,” he added.
“Because if comments are not made about the government, the government would not know areas where they should concentrate or focus. Therefore, the government is available to receive comments.
“But when comments are made by a particular section consistently, the government becomes, or multiple governments, even individuals, become very careful.
“If you are a religious leader and it is perceived or seen that you are taking sides, it becomes difficult for people to begin to see those comments as helpful or real.”
He further advised that criticism should be balanced with recognition of positive efforts by the government.
“You don’t every time say, things are bad, things are bad. Nobody has heard you say, one day, government has done this well,” he said.
“As a leader, commend government when government has done well on some areas. Criticise government. Now look, yes, you have done this well, this well, this well, this well, but we think they should look into these other areas.
“But if their comments are every time nothing positive, then government would worry about you. Government would begin to think that you are merely criticising because you are opposed to the government.”