Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, while describing Catholic bishops as the conscience of the country.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate and is a former governor of Abia State, said Nigerians were facing genuine difficulties but argued that it would be unfair to blame President Tinubu entirely for the country’s problems.
The senator made the remarks while commenting on the recent engagement between President Tinubu and Catholic bishops, amid an ongoing public debate over the state of the Nigerian economy and insecurity.
According to Kalu, Catholic bishops occupy an important position in the country because they are able to communicate the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians to those in government.
He said the bishops were acting as a conscience of the nation by drawing attention to the difficulties being experienced by Nigerians.
Kalu, however, maintained that the challenges facing the country should not be attributed solely to Tinubu, suggesting that some of the problems predated the current administration.
His comments come amid a growing disagreement over the response of the Presidency to remarks by Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, following the Catholic bishops’ engagement with Tinubu.
The dispute has triggered reactions from political figures and Christian groups, with some accusing the Presidency of being intolerant of criticism while others have defended the administration.
Kalu’s position appears to strike a balance between acknowledging the seriousness of Nigeria’s challenges and defending Tinubu against the argument that the President is solely responsible for them.
The senator also praised the Catholic bishops for speaking frankly about the state of the country.
His comments are coming at a politically sensitive period, with Nigeria already entering an increasingly active phase of preparations for the 2027 general election.
The debate over the economy, insecurity and the government’s performance is expected to remain central to political discussions as the election approaches.