Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged Cardinal John Onaiyekan to disregard criticisms directed at him by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his comments on the state of the nation.
George said the Catholic cleric should remain committed to speaking truth to power and advising the government on issues affecting Nigerians, regardless of criticism or intimidation.
The former PDP chieftain made the remarks while reacting to the recent exchanges between Onaiyekan and officials of the federal government over the country’s economic and security challenges.
George urged Onaiyekan to draw inspiration from the late South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who, he said, continued to speak against injustice despite facing opposition during his lifetime.
“Look at the way Nyesom Wike attacked Cardinal Onaiyekan. Does that make any sense to an average Nigerian?” George asked.
He criticised claims by some government officials that Onaiyekan was speaking only for Catholics or was working for the opposition, arguing that the challenges confronting Nigerians affect people across religious and political divides.
George said Christians and other Nigerians should continue to demand accountability from those in authority.
He also drew a comparison with the biblical account of Pontius Pilate, saying those who attack Onaiyekan for speaking out against perceived injustice were behaving like people who chose to support Barabbas over Jesus Christ.
“So, if some people are abusing Onaiyekan today, they are behaving like those who loved Barabbas. I urge the Cardinal to continue to hold the faith and speak the truth without any fear. He should keep advising the government on what to do to make Nigeria great,” he said.
George described Onaiyekan as a highly respected elder statesman and senior Catholic cleric, noting his age and position within the Catholic Church.
“Onaiyekan is a cardinal, a member of the conclave who elects the Pope. He is over 80 years old now. Anybody who wants to grow old should not attack an octogenarian who is also a cleric,” he stated.
The former PDP national deputy chairman also criticised what he described as personal attacks against him by individuals associated with Wike, warning that political disagreements should not degenerate into disrespect for elders.
He maintained that religious leaders and other respected Nigerians should be allowed to express their views on national issues without being subjected to personal attacks or intimidation.
