Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) has defended President Bola Tinubu over the country’s biting economic hardship and insecurity, claiming that politicians often mislead the President about the true state of the nation.
Kalu made the remarks in a video statement reacting to a recent meeting between members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the meeting, the clerics had raised concerns over the nation’s worsening security and economic challenges. Following the closed-door session, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, disclosed that the President disagreed with their assessment, insisting his administration was on the right track.
Reacting to the development, Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, described the Catholic bishops as the “conscience of the nation,” whose interventions are always driven by patriotism.
“The Catholic bishops are the conscience of the country,” Kalu said. “Once they give advice, it is not for or against anyone; it is simply to help any sitting President see things as they really are.”
While admitting that Nigerians are facing genuine difficulties, the lawmaker argued that President Tinubu should not be held solely responsible for the current crisis. He commended the bishops for providing the President with an honest appraisal of the country’s realities, contrasting their frankness with the sycophancy of political actors.
“I support the bishops’ visit because they are telling the President the truth. It will encourage him to work harder. Even if we politicians lie to him that everything is fine, the bishops will never do that. They will always tell him the reality on the ground,” Kalu added.
