Northern Christians Back Catholic Bishops, Fault Bwala Over Remarks

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has backed the Catholic Bishops over their recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying their intervention was in the interest of all Nigerians and faulting the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, over remarks it described as divisive.

The association said the bishops’ meeting with President Tinubu was not aimed at advancing the interests of the Catholic Church alone but at drawing attention to issues affecting Christians, national development and the welfare of Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the NCA said it would not allow politics to be used to sow division among Christians.

Hayab said attempts to portray the Catholic Church as separate from other Christian denominations were misleading and unacceptable, stressing that the association would continue to promote unity among Christians regardless of denomination.

He said the Cardinal and the Catholic Bishops who met with the President deserved respect because they offered sincere counsel on matters of national importance, good governance and the wellbeing of Nigerians, rather than pursuing sectarian interests.

According to him, it was unfortunate that a presidential spokesman would publicly criticise respected religious leaders for offering honest advice intended to help the President succeed and move the country forward, describing such remarks as a disservice to both the Presidency and the nation.

Hayab maintained that the bishops’ intervention reflected patriotism and genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress, adding that constructive criticism from religious leaders should not be misconstrued as hostility towards the government.

He warned that government officials who resort to propaganda instead of addressing the genuine concerns of citizens risk worsening the country’s challenges and urged public office holders to prioritise policies and actions that improve the lives of Nigerians.

Hayab further said Nigeria’s socio-economic and governance challenges require sincere engagement from leaders across all sectors, including religious institutions, stressing that honest counsel should be embraced as a contribution to nation-building rather than dismissed on political grounds.