The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has condemned what it described as the Presidency’s attack on the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, over his comments on the country’s worsening economic situation and insecurity, urging President Bola Tinubu to apologise to religious leaders and focus on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, the opposition party accused the Federal Government of responding to criticism with hostility rather than engaging the substantive issues raised by respected faith leaders.

The party said the reported criticism of Cardinal Onaiyekan reflected what it described as the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration’s intolerance of dissent and unwillingness to heed voices calling attention to the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

According to the APM, religious leaders occupy a unique position in society because of their close interaction with citizens and their firsthand understanding of the economic and security challenges confronting communities across the country.

It argued that rather than dismissing or ridiculing such interventions, government should regard them as constructive feedback capable of informing policy decisions and improving governance.

The party expressed concern over what it called coordinated attacks on the Catholic cleric, maintaining that his comments were made in the public interest and reflected the realities experienced by many Nigerians amid rising living costs and persistent insecurity.

“Faith-based leaders do not speak in isolation; they listen to citizens, counsel families, support vulnerable communities and understand the realities facing the people. Their interventions should be received in good faith and considered valuable feedback for the government,” the statement said.

The APM further criticised the Federal Government for allegedly failing to respond meaningfully to concerns about economic hardship and insecurity, insisting that resorting to personal attacks against critics undermines democratic values, including freedom of expression, dialogue and accountability.

It maintained that democracy flourishes when governments respect opposing views and respond to genuine concerns with policies that improve the welfare of citizens rather than engaging in confrontations with critics.

The opposition party also argued that Nigerians were more interested in practical solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges than explanations centred on inherited problems.

According to the statement, President Tinubu should apologise to religious leaders over what the party described as unwarranted attacks and embrace a more conciliatory approach to public criticism.

The APM further urged the administration to prioritise policies aimed at reducing hunger, restoring public confidence, improving living standards and tackling the country’s worsening insecurity.

It added that listening to citizens, respecting institutions and embracing accountability remained essential ingredients for national development and democratic consolidation. (The Guardian)

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