A former Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ben Osuagwu, has defended the recent meeting between the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the bishops’ message as a sincere call for urgent national attention rather than an act deserving condemnation.
In a statement titled, “The Catholic Bishops Visit to President Tinubu; A Call for Urgent National Attention and Not Condemnation,” Osuagwu argued that the clerics fulfilled their moral and spiritual responsibility by speaking frankly about the challenges confronting Nigerians.
According to him, the bishops’ engagement with the President has generated mixed reactions across the country, with many Nigerians commending the church leaders for speaking truth to power, while others have criticized their intervention.
Osuagwu maintained that religious leaders have a duty to speak on issues affecting the welfare of citizens, insisting that the Catholic Bishops have consistently commended governments when they perform well and criticized them whenever governance falls short of public expectations.
“The bishops are the conscience of society. It is their divine mandate to speak for the people without fear or favour,” he stated, adding that truth, though often uncomfortable, remains necessary for national progress.
The former NUJ chairman also criticized what he described as attempts by political loyalists to dismiss the bishops’ observations, alleging that some public commentators place partisan interests above national welfare.
He dismissed suggestions that the Catholic Bishops were motivated by political considerations, insisting that the church’s concern has always been the well-being of Nigerians.
Osuagwu cited several prominent Christian leaders, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna, as examples of clerics who have consistently spoken against injustice and poor governance.
He expressed concern over the prevailing socio-economic conditions in the country, claiming that many Nigerians are struggling with rising food prices, insecurity, unemployment, unpaid pensions, salary arrears and deteriorating infrastructure.
According to him, many pensioners remain unpaid while rural communities continue to suffer from poor road networks and inadequate government attention.
Drawing from his personal experience, Osuagwu alleged that he is owed 75 months of pension arrears, 12 years of salary arrears and retirement gratuity since 2012, saying his situation reflects the plight of many retired public servants across the country.
He urged President Tinubu not to ignore the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops but to treat their presentation as an honest assessment of the country’s realities.
Osuagwu called on the President to regard the bishops’ message as a matter of national emergency and take decisive steps to address the economic hardship, insecurity and governance challenges facing Nigerians.
He concluded that constructive criticism from respected institutions such as the Catholic Bishops should be seen as an opportunity for corrective action rather than an attack on the government.
