A Catholic priest of the Abuja Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, popularly known as Fada Oluoma, has criticised presidential media aides Daniel Bwala and Bayo Onanuga over their responses to criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Oluoma accused the presidential aides of resorting to personal attacks instead of engaging critics through reasoned arguments.
His remarks come amid a growing public debate over the Presidency’s response to comments by Catholic leaders, particularly Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan.
Oluoma attacks Presidency’s response
The Catholic priest said presidential spokespersons and media aides should be able to defend government policies with facts and arguments rather than attacking individuals who criticise the administration.
His comments followed a series of exchanges involving the Presidency, Catholic leaders and political figures over the handling of criticism directed at the Tinubu administration.
Oluoma specifically criticised Bwala and Onanuga, describing their approach as aggressive and accusing them of behaving like “attack dogs.”
The remarks reflect the increasingly heated public debate over how government officials respond to criticism from religious leaders and other influential voices.
Catholic-Presidency dispute
The controversy gained momentum following comments by Cardinal Onaiyekan concerning governance and the condition of Nigerians.
The Presidency has defended the administration’s record while supporters of Tinubu have criticised what they regard as unfair attacks on the government.
Opposition figures and some Christian groups, however, have backed the Catholic hierarchy and called for greater tolerance of criticism.
Oluoma’s intervention adds another voice to the dispute and highlights the broader question of whether government spokespersons should respond to criticism through confrontation or substantive engagement.
The issue is likely to remain part of the wider political debate as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election.