Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has thrown his weight behind the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to receive the bishops’ message in good faith and intensify efforts to address the country’s challenges.
Kalu made the remarks while reacting to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the bishops raised concerns about economic hardship, insecurity, governance and the state of democracy in the country.
Speaking on the development, the former Senate Chief Whip said the bishops spoke out of genuine concern for Nigeria and should not be viewed as political opponents of the government.
According to him, religious leaders, particularly the Catholic bishops, have historically maintained a reputation for honesty and moral courage when speaking on national issues.
“President Tinubu should take the message of the Catholic bishops in good faith and work harder for the Nigerian people,” Kalu said.
The senator stressed that political leaders often receive flattering reports from associates and supporters, making it important for them to listen carefully when independent voices raise concerns about the condition of the country.
“We politicians can lie to the President, but the Catholic bishops will not,” he stated. “They will tell him things exactly as they are.”
Kalu argued that the intervention of the bishops should be seen as constructive criticism intended to help the government improve its performance rather than as an attack on the President.
He noted that many Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship, rising living costs and insecurity, and said leaders must remain open to sincere advice from respected national figures.
The former governor urged the President to reflect on the issues raised by the bishops and take practical steps to ease the suffering of citizens.
According to him, accepting criticism from credible institutions is a sign of strength, not weakness.
He further said that the Catholic Church has consistently spoken on matters affecting the welfare of Nigerians irrespective of which political party is in power, adding that its interventions are usually guided by moral and humanitarian considerations.
Kalu called on public officials and political supporters to avoid attacking religious leaders for expressing concerns about national issues, insisting that democracy benefits when diverse voices are allowed to contribute to public debate.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support efforts aimed at improving governance while continuing to hold leaders accountable through peaceful and lawful means.
The senator maintained that President Tinubu still has the opportunity to address the country’s pressing challenges and leave a positive legacy if his administration remains responsive to the concerns of citizens.
He concluded by urging the President to deepen engagement with religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, saying such consultations could provide valuable insight into the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians across the country.
