Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has described Cardinal John Onaiyekan as the “Desmond Tutu of Nigeria”.

George also urged Onaiyekan to ignore criticism from FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and some government officials over the cleric’s comments on the state of the nation.

He urged Onaiyekan to draw strength from the challenges the late South African cleric, Desmond Tutu, faced during his lifetime, saying Nigerian clerics and Christians would continue to speak truth to power despite criticism.

“Look at the way Nyesom Wike attacked Cardinal Onaiyekan. Does that make any sense to an average Nigerian? One government official said Onaiyekan was only speaking for Catholics, as if other Christians, even Muslims and atheists, are not affected by the policies of this administration. Another official said Onaiyekan is working for the opposition,” George said.

“What is going on now also happened in the Bible. When Pilate asked the people who they wanted crucified, they shouted that they wanted Barabbas, an armed robber, to be released, and Jesus Christ crucified.

“So, if some people are abusing Onaiyekan today, they are behaving like those who loved Barabbas.

“I urge the Cardinal to continue to hold the faith and speak the truth without any fear. He should keep advising the government on what to do to make Nigeria great.

“Onaiyekan is a cardinal, a member of the conclave that elects the Pope. He is over 80 years old. Anybody who wants to grow old should not attack an octogenarian who is also a cleric.” (The Sun)

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