The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has stated that Catholic bishops in Nigeria have no intention of assuming political power, stressing that their interventions in national affairs are driven solely by concern for the country’s wellbeing.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Onaiyekan said the bishops’ role remains prophetic, focused on advocating for the people and holding leaders accountable.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing disconnect between Nigerians and their elected representatives in the National Assembly.
“We are no longer sure that our representatives in the National Assembly truly represent us, the people,” he said. “The priorities they set and the decisions they take do not demonstrate that they are acting in the interest of those who elected them.”
The cleric clarified that the Catholic Church has no political ambition to take over governance but is committed to speaking truth to power.
“Nigeria’s bishops have no intention of taking over the government. If anything motivates us, it is the love of our nation,” he said. “We see ourselves as playing a prophetic role — speaking for the people and addressing those in authority. We do not speak recklessly, but neither are we afraid to state the truth clearly.”
Onaiyekan noted that the Church’s stance is not intended to undermine any individual or institution but to draw attention to the country’s current challenges.
“This is not about pulling anyone down. It is about making it clear what we are facing as a nation,” he added.
Reflecting on his decades of experience, the 82-year-old cleric said he believes the country’s present condition marks a troubling decline.
“I have lived in this country for 82 years, and for about 60 of those years, I was conscious of what was happening around me. This is not the Nigeria we once knew. The situation is worse than it was before,” he said.
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