Cardinal John Onaiyekan has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure his reforms tackle insecurity, corruption, and poverty, lamenting that Nigeria remains “fumbling” 65 years after independence.
Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said Nigeria remains “fumbling” 65 years after independence despite its abundant resources, urging President Bola Tinubu to focus his reforms on ending insecurity, corruption, and poverty.
Speaking to New Telegraph on Friday, Onaiyekan said Nigerians “want rulers who can make life bearable for them, who can provide jobs and hope for the future,” stressing that the country still lacks leaders committed to genuine development. He noted that Tinubu’s reforms have worsened inflation and hardship, lamenting, “Are these the reforms you are talking about?”
The cleric criticised Tinubu’s Independence Day address as self-congratulatory, saying, “Our president has judged himself… but those of us who are out there are still wondering which Nigeria is he talking about?” He urged the president to listen to “ordinary people” rather than praise singers.
Onaiyekan also faulted the student loan scheme, claiming it was inaccessible to most students. He emphasised that true reforms should “bridge the gap between rulers and citizens,” promote integrity, and restore hope. “We want a reform where a young man who has passed anywhere will apply for a job and get the job. That’s the reform we are waiting for,” he said.