Senator KALU Defends Concerns by Catholic Bishops, Shields President TINUBU from Blame
Reactions continue to trail the exchange between President BOLA AHMED TINUBU and the Catholic Bishops Conference on Nigeria on the state of the nation.
A member of the CBCN’s delegation and former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal JOHN ONAIYEKAN, came under severe criticism from the Presidency for going on national television to discuss issues they raised with President TINUBU.
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and Abia North Senator, ORJI UZOR KALU, has agreed with the Catholic Bishops on their concerns over the economy, insecurity and political climate in the country.
However, Senator KALU says President TINUBU is not to blame for the economic hardship and insecurity in the country, although admitting that he is often misled by politicians on the situation of the country.
Speaking in a video on his social media handles, the former governor of Abia State said the Catholic bishops represent the conscience of the nation, and their advice to the President was offered in the national interest.
Similarly, a public affairs analyst, Professor OKEY IKECHUKWU, has said the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria acted in line with expectation by meeting with President BOLA AHMED TINUBU to address issues of concern.
Professor IKECHUKWU says as church leaders, the Catholic clergy interact more closely with the people and understand their situation better.
The Professor of Strategic Management and Human Capital Development is also of the view that the Presidency is within its right to defend the administration in the face of criticism.
However, Professor OKEY IKECHUKWU, who shared his views during an interview on television, said the question is whether the Presidency’s defence of the administration outweighs the disposition of citizens, as reflected through the Catholic Bishops.
Professor OKEY IKECHUKWU faulted President TINUBU’s comment that “all is fair in politics”, stressing that there is a difference between what is right or wrong, asserting that there is a place for morality in politics.
About President TINUBU’s claim on the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor IKECHUKWU said the electoral commission alone cannot guarantee fairness in the coming general elections.