Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has described the recent visit by Catholic bishops to President Bola Tinubu as timely and significant, saying the clerics are well placed to present an honest assessment of the country’s challenges directly to the President.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the former Abia State governor acknowledged that Nigerians are facing genuine economic and social hardships. However, he argued that the country’s current difficulties should not be attributed solely to President Tinubu, stressing that many of the problems predate the present administration.
Kalu said the Catholic bishops possess a clear understanding of the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians and expressed confidence that their engagement with the President would provide a truthful account of the situation across the country.
“The Catholic bishops are aware of the situation in the country. There are real difficulties in Nigeria, but they are not President Tinubu’s fault,” Kalu said.
He further noted that the bishops’ audience with the President was important because, unlike politicians who may sometimes present information coloured by political interests, religious leaders are more likely to speak frankly.
“The Catholic bishops’ visit to President Tinubu is a good one. Even if we politicians can lie to him, the bishops will tell him the truth about the current reality of the country,” he added.
His remarks come amid continuing national conversations over Nigeria’s economic reforms, rising cost of living and calls from various groups for greater engagement between government and key stakeholders.
Kalu’s comments underscore the growing expectation that religious leaders, civil society organisations and other non-partisan voices will continue to play a constructive role in conveying citizens’ concerns to the nation’s leadership.
