An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, has issued a strong warning that the ongoing attacks by President Bola Tinubu’s aides on Catholic Church leaders could alienate millions of Christian voters and weaken the President’s chances of securing re-election in 2027. In a statement released in Minna on Wednesday, Vatsa criticized presidential spokespersons Daniel Bwala and Bayo Onanuga for what he described as unwarranted public criticism of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Cardinal John Onaiyekan. The remarks followed the bishops’ public comments on rising poverty, economic hardship, and insecurity across the country.
Vatsa, a former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, argued that the responses from the Presidential Spokespersons were politically damaging and risked deepening the perception that the Tinubu administration is out of touch with the concerns of Christians. He pointed to the previous controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket as evidence that religious sensitivities are already strained. According to him, the government should have engaged constructively with the bishops’ concerns rather than allowing its spokespeople to launch personal attacks against respected religious figures.
He emphasized that the Catholic bishops were merely fulfilling their moral and spiritual duties by highlighting the worsening living conditions faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Their comments and attacks on these highly respected Christian leaders will surely hurt the President in his re-election bid,” Vatsa stated. He noted that the bishops did not visit the Presidential Villa seeking contracts, appointments, or political favors but spoke on behalf of citizens struggling to afford basic necessities, families affected by kidnapping and insecurity, and individuals whose livelihoods have been destroyed by economic policies.
Vatsa insisted that hunger, poverty, and insecurity remain daily realities for many Nigerians. “Anybody who says there is no extreme hunger and poverty in the country today is carrying the curse of Nigerians on his head. Nigerians are dying every day from hunger and hardship,” he said. He urged Bwala and Onanuga to show greater respect for the Christian faith and the Catholic Church, warning that continued hostility could further erode trust between the government and Christian communities.
The APC chieftain challenged the presidential aides to visit states like Borno and Niger to witness firsthand the impact of insecurity, displacement, and economic distress. He maintained that religious leaders have a sacred duty to speak for the voiceless and hold authorities accountable. Vatsa concluded that the administration would gain more public confidence by listening to constructive criticism and tackling the nation’s core challenges rather than attacking those who speak truth to power. His remarks underscore growing concern within political circles about the potential electoral fallout of perceived government insensitivity toward religious and social issues.
Leave a Comment