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From John Adams, Minna
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, has advised President Bola Tinubu to caution his spokespersons over their reactions to recent comments by Catholic Bishops on the state of the nation.
Vatsa, former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, described the bishops’ submissions as “honest and sincere,” warning that attacks on the respected clerics could negatively affect the President’s chances in the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued in Minna yesterday, the APC chieftain said the comments by some government officials against the Catholic Bishops could further deepen concerns among members of the Christian community, particularly following the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
“The action of President Tinubu’s spokespersons is like adding more salt to injuries already inflicted on the Christian community by the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2027 election.”
Vatsa alleged that the administration’s response to the bishops’ concerns had created the impression that the government was insensitive to the feelings of some Christians.
“That is why its agents are so free to rain insults on Christian leaders without any provocation. Their comments and attacks on these highly respected leaders in the Christian community will surely hurt the President in his re-election bid,” he stated.
Vatsa criticised the remarks attributed to some presidential aides, including Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala, over their reactions to the Catholic Bishops’ position.
He said the bishops did not visit the Presidential Villa to seek personal benefits but to draw attention to the hardship experienced by millions of Nigerians.
“The Catholic Bishops did not go to Aso Rock to sing ‘your mandate we stand’; they did not go there to look for money or contracts. They went there to speak for millions of Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, who find it difficult to afford three square meals amid enormous resources in the country,” he said.
According to him, the bishops raised concerns about insecurity, poverty and the suffering of Nigerians affected by economic difficulties.
“Anybody who says there is no extreme hunger and poverty in the country today is carrying the burden of Nigerians on his head. Nigerians are dying every day from hunger and hardship.”
Vatsa argued that religious leaders who interact closely with ordinary citizens have a moral responsibility to speak about the challenges affecting their communities.
“Religious leaders who live with these poor Nigerians can no longer keep quiet. They owe Nigerians the moral duty to tell the government the truth.”
Vatsa further urged government officials who criticised the bishops to seek understanding of the realities facing citizens across the country.
He specifically challenged them to visit states affected by insecurity and economic hardship, including Borno and Niger, to assess the situation firsthand.
“We saw in Borno State where people besieged IDP camps in search of food. Is Bwala not aware of that?” he asked.
“Onanuga and Bwala should come to Niger State where people are facing real poverty and hunger despite the noise about agricultural revolution that appears to have remained on the pages of papers,” he added.
The former commissioner also raised concerns about insecurity affecting farmers, saying many had abandoned their farms because of persistent attacks.
“We are in a country where there is excess money, yet excess poverty and underdevelopment continue to stare Nigerians in the face.”
Vatsa urged those around President Tinubu to show greater respect for religious institutions, describing comments directed at Catholic leaders, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, as unfortunate.
He maintained that addressing the concerns raised by religious leaders would strengthen public confidence in the administration.
