The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has expressed disappointment over the reckless attempt by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, to diminish and politicize the patriotic intervention of His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, following the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the President General of COSEYL, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, he said that Mr. Bwala’s assertion that Cardinal Onaiyekan was speaking only for Catholics and not for Christians or Nigerians is an unfortunate attempt to divert attention from the substance of the Cardinal’s message.
He regretted that rather than address the grave concerns he raised about the hardship, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians, the presidential spokesman chose to attack the messenger.
According to him, that approach does not answer the issues confronting the country.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke as a respected elder statesman, a moral voice, and a patriotic Nigerian. His comments reflected concerns that are shared across religious, ethnic, and political divides”.
Ibem pointed out that the pain of Nigerians does not discriminate between Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals, Muslims, or traditional believers, adding that hunger has no denomination.
He said that poverty carries no religious identity, adding that insecurity does not ask for one’s church membership before striking.
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According to him, to reduce such a national intervention to partisan politics is both unfair and counterproductive. Ibem said that it is their position that Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed sentiments that resonate with many Nigerians who are yearning for responsive leadership, economic relief, and accountable governance.
COSEYL, however, rejects every attempt to intimidate, discredit, or silence respected religious leaders and patriotic citizens for speaking truth to power.
He said that democracy flourishes when leaders listen to constructive criticism, not when critics are branded as political actors simply because they express uncomfortable truths.
“Religious leaders have historically played significant roles in promoting justice, peace, national unity, and good governance. They have every constitutional and moral right to speak on issues affecting the welfare of the people. No government official should seek to define the boundaries of their conscience or determine whose suffering deserves to be acknowledged”.
The body therefore stated unequivocally that any campaign of intimidation or personal attack against Cardinal John Onaiyekan for expressing his views will be seen by many Nigerians as an attack on the right of citizens to speak freely about the state of the nation.
He said that such rhetoric risks discouraging honest national conversations at a time when Nigeria needs openness, humility, and solutions.
They called on the Presidency and its spokespersons to engage with the issues raised by the Catholic Bishops instead of questioning their motives. Nigerians expect practical responses to inflation, insecurity, youth unemployment, collapsing purchasing power, and the rising cost of living—not exchanges over personalities.
“History has consistently shown that nations make progress when leaders embrace sincere counsel, including criticism offered in good faith. Wise leadership welcomes honest feedback because it provides opportunities for improvement”.
COSEYL urged all Nigerians, regardless of religion or political affiliation, to stand in defense of truth, justice, free expression, and the constitutional right of every citizen and institution to contribute to national discourse without fear of vilification or intimidation.
He said that Nigeria belongs to all of us, adding that the responsibility to speak when the nation is hurting also belongs to all.