Northern Christians Back Catholic Bishops, Fault Bwala Over

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has backed the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria over their recent comments on the country’s economic and security situation, while criticising the president’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, for his reaction to the bishops remarks.

Key Highlights:

• The NCA backed the Catholic bishops over their comments on Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
• It criticised Daniel Bwala for attacking the bishops and attempting to divide Christians.
• The association said the bishops spoke for Nigerians, not just Catholics.
• It urged the government to address the issues raised instead of questioning the bishops’ motives.
• The NCA warned against statements that could fuel religious division.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the association accused Bwala of attempting to create division within the Christian community after he criticised the bishops for their assessment of the state of the nation following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

NCA Chairman, Joseph Hayab, said the Catholic bishops spoke on issues affecting all Nigerians and not just members of the Catholic Church, stressing that their message reflect the concerns of millions of citizens grappling with hardship and insecurity.

He noted that the Northern Christian Association represents Christians from various denominations, including Catholics, Baptists, ECWA, Methodists, Anglicans and Pentecostals, insisting that no one would be allowed to sow discord among Christians.

Hayab also defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing him and the Catholic bishops as respected religious leaders who met with Tinubu to offer sincere advice on national issues.

According to him, the bishops’ message was intended to help the government tackle pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

He described it as unfortunate that government officials chose to attack religious leaders instead of addressing the concerns they raised, warning that the country’s worsening challenges would affect every Nigerian regardless of political or religious affiliation.

The NCA chairman further urged public office holders to respond constructively to the bishops’ observations rather than making statements capable of fuelling religious divisions.

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The association’s position followed comments by Daniel Bwala, who insisted that Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke for Catholics and not the entire Christian community during his remarks on the state of the nation.

In a post on his X account, Bwala reacted to the controversy generated by Onaiyekan’s television interview after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) met with President Tinubu.

The presidential aide also alleged that the Catholic institution had supported the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general election, arguing that the Cardinal’s comments should be viewed within that context.

However, the NCA maintained that the bishops acted in the national interest and called on the federal government to focus on addressing the economic and security concerns they highlighted rather than questioning their motives.