Key Takeaways
- Senator Orji Kalu would resign from the APC if President Bola Tinubu disrespects the Catholic Church.
- The senator supports the Catholic bishops’ criticism of the government’s handling of economic issues and insecurity.
- There are ongoing tensions between the presidency and the Catholic Church following a meeting with church leaders.
Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North, has stated he would resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu shows any disrespect towards the Catholic Church. This declaration came during a recent appearance on Politics Today, amid a storm of controversy regarding a meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
At this meeting, which took place at the State House in Abuja, the CBCN, represented by its leader Matthew Ndagoso, articulated serious concerns about the severe economic hardship and rising insecurity impacting Nigerians. Following the gathering, a notable controversy erupted when Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a former Archbishop of Abuja, suggested that the president was displeased with the messages conveyed by the bishops.
In a response to the ensuing debate, Kalu expressed support for the bishops’ right to voice their concerns about national issues, reinforcing the notion that religious leaders carry a significant responsibility to engage with pressing matters facing the populace. “The Catholic bishops were right. If they had said anything less than what they said, they would no longer be the conscience of this country,” Kalu remarked.
While he defended the bishops, Kalu also distanced himself from allegations that President Tinubu had shown disrespect towards the Catholic Church. He clarified that statements issued by presidential aides should not be taken as the president's official stance. “The villa is not President Tinubu. I was a governor and I understand how communication works. President Tinubu has a very good relationship with the Catholic Church,” he explained.
Kalu also noted the historical role of Catholic bishops in maintaining a candid dialogue with those in power, emphasizing that they hold no political affiliations that would hinder their ability to speak truthfully. “What politicians cannot tell the president, the Catholic bishops will tell him because they have no political interests to protect,” he stated.
Regarding demands for an apology from the presidency to the Catholic Church, Kalu opined that he did not believe Tinubu had personally committed any act that necessitated an apology. However, he reiterated his willingness to resign from the ruling party if the president were to disrespect the church. “Any day President Tinubu disrespects the opposition or the Catholic Church, I will resign from the APC,” Kalu firmly asserted.
In light of the economic situation, Kalu endorsed the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, noting that there have been advancements in stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. “The macro side of the economy has been stabilized. The exchange rate is stabilizing, fuel prices are stabilizing, foreign direct investments are coming in, and confidence is gradually returning,” he claimed.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the positive impact of these reforms has not yet been adequately felt by the average Nigerian, particularly at the microeconomic level, admitting, “As a businessman, I manufacture goods, and I know the microeconomy is not doing well. President Tinubu himself knows Nigerians are suffering.”
Kalu linked the ongoing challenges in the microeconomic sector to issues of insecurity, arguing that a resolution to security concerns would enable farmers to return to their fields and help alleviate food inflation.
Why This Matters
The interplay between political leaders and religious authorities is crucial in Nigeria, particularly in times of distress. Kalu's remarks highlight potential rifts within the APC and underscore the impact of economic and security issues on national dialogue.