Amaechi urges Presidency to cease attacks on Catholic Church and Christian faith over Onaiyekan comments

Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Amaechi stated his intervention was due to disrespectful comments from Presidency officials directed at the Catholic Church, following remarks made by John Cardinal Onaiyekan. Amaechi emphasized that his stance was not politically motivated but driven by concern over persistent attacks on Christian leaders. He argued that criticism against Cardinal Onaiyekan amounted to an attack on his Christian faith and questioned if similar remarks would be directed at a leading Islamic cleric.

Amaechi defended Catholic bishops as accomplished scholars deserving respect and cautioned politicians against exploiting religion for political purposes, warning of inflamed tensions in a religiously diverse country. The controversy arose after Cardinal Onaiyekan recounted a meeting with President Tinubu where he expressed concerns about Nigeria's economic hardship and insecurity, leading to public challenges from presidential aides.