President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, for a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 28, 2026. [1, 2]
Key Issues Raised by the Bishops
- Insecurity: The bishops stated that widespread insecurity and violent attacks in parts of the country were undermining the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, emphasizing that citizens must feel secure before engaging in civic duties. [1]
Reactions and Aftermath
- President Tinubu’s Stance: The President defended his administration’s track record, pointing to ongoing economic reforms, security personnel welfare improvements, and stability in tertiary education, while maintaining that his administration is steering the country on the right path. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- The Controversy: Following the visit, Cardinal John Onaiyekan (Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja) stated in a television interview that President Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment and seemed unhappy with their frank portrayal of the nation. This drew sharp pushback and criticism from presidential spokespersons and government officials, who accused the cleric of partisan bias and misusing his office. [1, 2, 3
