The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has backed Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over their recent warnings about the country’s economic and security crises, saying the clerics’ comments reflect the daily realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued Tuesday, MBF national spokesman Luka Binniyat condemned what the forum called “unwarranted attacks” by some presidential aides and supporters against the former Archbishop of Abuja, insisting that discussions about poverty, insecurity and human suffering should not be politicised.
The endorsement follows exchanges after the CBCN’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on July 24, during which the bishops reportedly expressed concern about rising poverty, economic hardship and insecurity. While the President defended his administration’s reforms, Onaiyekan told reporters that Tinubu appeared not to be receiving accurate information about the plight of ordinary citizens — comments that drew sharp criticism from some government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan merely echoed what millions of Nigerians experience every day,” the MBF said. “He spoke neither as a politician nor as an opposition figure. The Cardinal spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected religious leader who has consistently stood for justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens.”
The forum said the Middle Belt remains particularly hard hit by violence, alleging that communities across the region continue to suffer attacks from terrorists and armed militias. It said thousands have been killed, millions displaced and many communities destroyed, leaving farmers unable to cultivate their lands and forcing widows, orphans and the elderly to depend increasingly on humanitarian aid.
“The consequences have been devastating. Farmers can no longer cultivate their land. Families have lost their homes, businesses and means of livelihood. Children have been forced out of school,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, the MBF said millions of Nigerians still cannot live, farm or conduct legitimate business without fear.
On the economy, the forum noted that although the national minimum wage rose from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the Tinubu administration, inflation and naira depreciation have significantly eroded purchasing power. It said prices for petrol, food, transport, electricity, gas, healthcare and education have climbed sharply since the reforms.
The MBF urged the President to welcome constructive criticism and to commission an independent assessment of living conditions, particularly among victims of terrorism and displacement, arguing that firsthand accounts from displaced persons, farmers, market women and unemployed youths would provide a clearer picture.
The forum reaffirmed its support for the CBCN and Cardinal Onaiyekan, saying speaking truthfully about poverty, insecurity and suffering is “a constitutional right, a moral obligation and a patriotic duty.”
