By Charles Igwe
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has strongly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that Nigerians’ living standards have significantly deteriorated over the past two years. In an unusually direct rebuke, the prelate warned that unless the president changes course, he risks losing public trust and, ultimately, electoral support.
Speaking on Wednesday at a public lecture during the Communication Week organized by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria’s Directorate of Social Communications in Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan lamented the deepening economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and lack of meaningful government intervention in the lives of ordinary citizens.
“My advice for Mr. President is to find out what Nigerians are truly going through — not from the praise-singers surrounding him, but from real people who are struggling daily,” Cardinal Onaiyekan stated. He questioned how families are expected to survive on a ₦30,000 monthly salary amid soaring costs of living, urging Tinubu to focus on the people’s welfare rather than political rhetoric.
Cardinal Onaiyekan did not mince words in his political forecast either. “If he continues like this for the rest of his term, and we have a free and fair election, he will not win,” the cardinal said. He stressed that the credibility of any leader rests on whether the people feel secure and cared for — economically, socially, and morally.
While acknowledging that government may blame circumstances beyond its control, the Cardinal reminded the administration that “the government’s role is to at least maintain, if not improve, the well-being of Nigerians.” With two years already passed in Tinubu’s term, he advised that now is the time to “change gear” and implement policies genuinely focused on the needs of the poor and vulnerable. “If he does that,” the cardinal said, “the people will remember him forever.”
He further challenged the president to move past the controversies surrounding the 2023 election. “The Supreme Court has ruled, and we have agreed. Now, he should simply govern,” he said, adding that Tinubu should now concentrate on providing security, revitalizing the economy, and tackling corruption — promises that his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, also made but failed to fulfill.
