Amaechi Accuses Tinubu Administration of Disrespecting Catholic Church Over Bishops’ Criticism

Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of showing disrespect to the Catholic Church and the Christian faith following recent exchanges between government officials and Catholic leaders over the state of the nation. 

Amaechi made the remarks while reacting to comments by presidential aides who criticised the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) after the bishops raised concerns about Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and governance during a meeting with President Tinubu. 

According to Amaechi, his concern is not with the President’s religious beliefs but with what he described as the administration’s response to the Catholic Church. He alleged that government officials had acted as “attack dogs” against the Church and argued that such public attacks demonstrate a lack of respect for both the Catholic Church and the Christian faith. 

He urged political leaders to exercise restraint in responding to religious organisations, noting that faith communities have a legitimate role in speaking on issues affecting the welfare of citizens. Amaechi also stressed the importance of maintaining mutual respect between government institutions and religious bodies regardless of differing opinions. 

The comments come amid an ongoing public debate sparked by the Catholic bishops’ assessment of the country’s economic and security situation. While the Presidency has defended its record and criticised some of the bishops’ observations, several Christian leaders and public figures have argued that the bishops merely reflected the realities many Nigerians are experiencing.