Middle Belt Forum supports Cardinal Onaiyekan and Catholic Bishops on economic and security warnings

The forum stated that their comments reflect the daily realities faced by millions of Nigerians and condemned what it called “unwarranted attacks” on the cleric by presidential aides and supporters. This stance follows recent discussions after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with President Bola Tinubu on July 24, where concerns about rising poverty, economic hardship, and insecurity were reportedly raised. Cardinal Onaiyekan later suggested that President Tinubu might not be receiving accurate information about the true condition of ordinary Nigerians, which drew criticism from some government officials.

The Middle Belt Forum emphasized that Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and respected religious leader, not as a politician. The forum highlighted the dire situation in the Middle Belt, citing attacks by terrorists and armed Fulani militias, resulting in thousands killed, millions displaced, and communities destroyed, leaving farmers unable to cultivate land and increasing reliance on humanitarian aid. While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, the forum noted that many Nigerians still live in fear.

Regarding the economy, the forum pointed out that despite an increase in the national minimum wage, infl