Catholic Archbishop Emeritus John Onaiyekan says he went on national television to tell President Bola Tinubu’s administration the truth, adding that he is not afraid of anyone. In the statements reported by two outlets, he argues that at 82, he cannot realistically be arrested or embarrassed for speaking, and that Nigerians still retain the ability for religious leaders to speak publicly without being detained.
The reports also place his remarks in the context of a July 28, 2026 meeting between Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. The bishops reportedly expressed concerns about Nigeria’s economy, insecurity, and political climate. One outlet says Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment, while Onaiyekan’s comments frame his own decision not to respond directly to criticism.
Across the articles, the main emphasis differs slightly: one stresses his confidence that he cannot be targeted for truth-telling, while the other highlights the specific television appearance and notes that others spoke on his behalf as he declined to engage with social media attacks. Both accounts present his position as an insistence on open public criticism and freedom to speak.
