The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has expressed support for former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over their recent comments on the country’s economic and security challenges, saying their concerns reflect the realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
The forum also condemned what it described as “unwarranted attacks” on the cleric by some presidential aides and supporters, insisting that discussions on poverty, insecurity and human suffering should not be politicised.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Spokesman of the MBF, Luka Binniyat.
The statement followed recent exchanges after the Catholic Bishops met President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 24, where they reportedly raised concerns about worsening poverty, economic hardship and insecurity.
Although President Tinubu maintained that his administration’s reforms were yielding positive results, Cardinal Onaiyekan later said in an interview that the President appeared not to be receiving an accurate picture of the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
His remarks drew criticism from some government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who accused the cleric of making political statements.
Responding, the MBF described the criticisms as “unfair, unnecessary and completely misplaced.”
“Cardinal Onaiyekan merely echoed what millions of Nigerians experience every day. He spoke neither as a politician nor as an opposition figure. He spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected religious leader who has consistently stood for justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens,” the forum said.
The MBF expressed concern over the security situation in the Middle Belt, alleging that many communities across the region continue to face attacks by terrorists and armed Fulani militias.
According to the forum, the violence has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of residents and destroyed numerous communities, leaving many farmers unable to cultivate their land and forcing widows, orphans and the elderly to rely on humanitarian assistance.
“The consequences have been devastating. Farmers can no longer cultivate their land. Families have lost their homes, businesses and means of livelihood. Children have been forced out of school, while countless widows, orphans and elderly people now depend on humanitarian assistance simply to survive,” the statement said.
The forum, however, acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity, noting that many personnel had paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
It argued that despite the efforts of security forces, many Nigerians still cannot live, farm or conduct legitimate businesses without fear.
On the economy, the MBF noted that while the national minimum wage had increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the Tinubu administration, inflation and the depreciation of the naira had significantly weakened workers’ purchasing power.
It said the costs of petrol, food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, healthcare and education had risen sharply since the implementation of the administration’s economic reforms.
The forum urged President Tinubu to embrace constructive criticism instead of allowing loyalists to attack individuals who raise concerns about the country’s challenges.
“Leaders become stronger when they listen to uncomfortable truths, not when they surround themselves with those who tell them only what they wish to hear,” the statement added.
The MBF also called on the President to undertake an independent assessment of the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, particularly victims of terrorism and violent attacks, saying firsthand accounts from displaced persons, farmers, widows, market women and unemployed youths would provide a clearer picture of conditions across the country.
The forum reaffirmed its support for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Cardinal Onaiyekan, insisting that speaking out on poverty, insecurity and human suffering remains “a constitutional right, a moral obligation and a patriotic duty.”
