Activist and politician Aisha Yesufu has thrown her weight behind the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing him as one of the few religious leaders in Nigeria who is willing to speak the truth to those in authority.
Yesufu made the remark on Sunday amid the growing public debate over comments made by Onaiyekan following a meeting between the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which brought together senior Catholic clerics from across the country, focused on the state of the nation, with discussions covering the economy, insecurity and the country’s political atmosphere.
After the meeting, Onaiyekan revealed that the bishops had openly shared their concerns with the President. According to him, members of the delegation expressed worry over the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the worsening security situation in parts of the country and the country’s political direction.
The Cardinal, however, said President Tinubu did not agree with the bishops’ assessment. He explained that the President insisted that his administration was making progress and that the country was moving in the right direction.
Speaking later during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, Onaiyekan confirmed that Tinubu rejected the bishops’ position, maintaining that his government had made significant gains in improving the economy and addressing security challenges.
The remarks have continued to generate reactions from Nigerians, with many commenting on the openness of the discussions between the President and the Catholic bishops.
Joining the conversation, Yesufu praised Onaiyekan for what she described as his courage and honesty.
In a post on her X account, she wrote: “John Cardinal Onaiyekan is one of the few Nigerian religious leaders that stands with the people and never afraid to say truth to power.”
Her statement has drawn attention because of her long-standing criticism of government policies and her support for greater accountability in public office.
Yesufu has remained one of the country’s most vocal civil society figures. She became widely known during the Bring Back Our Girls campaign following the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, and has continued to speak on issues relating to governance, human rights and democracy.
Onaiyekan has also built a reputation over several decades as a respected religious leader who regularly comments on national issues beyond the church. Throughout his years as Archbishop of Abuja, he often called on political leaders to govern fairly, fight corruption and improve the welfare of citizens.
Even after retiring as Archbishop, the Cardinal has remained active in public discussions on peace, national unity and good governance.
The recent meeting between the Catholic bishops and President Tinubu formed part of the Church’s regular engagement with government on matters affecting the country. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has consistently used such meetings to present its views on national challenges and urge leaders to take steps that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Nigeria has continued to face difficult economic conditions following major reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration since taking office in May 2023. The removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have been described by the government as necessary measures to stabilise the economy and attract investment.
However, the policies have also led to higher transport costs, rising food prices and increased hardship for many households. Inflation has remained high, while many Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.
Security also remains a major concern across different parts of the country. Communities in the North-West and North-Central continue to experience attacks by armed groups, while kidnapping for ransom and other violent crimes have persisted despite ongoing military operations.
Against this background, religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society organisations have repeatedly urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and provide relief for struggling citizens.
Despite the criticism from the bishops, President Tinubu has continued to defend his administration’s policies. According to him, the difficult reforms are beginning to produce positive results, and the economy is gradually recovering.
Government officials have also argued that recent economic indicators show signs of improvement and have expressed confidence that Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy the benefits of the reforms.
The differing views between the Presidency and the Catholic bishops have sparked fresh public discussion about the country’s direction and the role of religious leaders in holding those in power accountable.