The criticism of the federal government by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in confronting political authorities, with former All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy national publicity secretary, Timi Frank, urging other faith leaders to adopt what he called the bishops’ “courage” in speaking on national issues.
Frank, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, praised the Catholic bishops for raising concerns about Nigeria’s economic difficulties and cautioning against the emergence of a one-party political system.
He said the intervention by the bishops represented a rare moment in which religious leaders openly challenged the government over issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
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Frank said, “We commend the Catholic leaders for their courage. We have not seen this kind of courage from religious leaders in Nigeria for a long time. They were brave enough to look the President in the face and tell him the bitter truth.”
His comments followed concerns reportedly expressed by the CBCN about the state of the nation, particularly the economic hardship faced by Nigerians and the need to protect democratic structures.
Besudes, Frank used the opportunity to question the silence of some religious leaders who have maintained close relationships with government officials. He challenged faith leaders to go beyond offering prayers for political leaders and use their influence to demand accountability.
He specifically criticised some Pentecostal leaders and alleged that some who visit the Presidential Villa fail to maintain the same level of criticism after meeting with government officials.
“Unfortunately, some religious leaders, particularly some Pentecostal leaders, go to the Villa, drink tea with the President and forget what they went there to say. They come back with envelopes and the story becomes different,” he alleged.
The former APC chieftain’s remarks come at a time of growing public discussion over whether religious institutions in Nigeria have been sufficiently vocal about economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges.
Frank also accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of worsening corruption, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, claims that reflect broader opposition criticism of the government’s economic and governance policies.
He asked: “What legacy is President Tinubu going to leave behind? What will Nigerians remember about his administration when he leaves office?”
He further alleged that the government was attempting to weaken opposition parties and manipulate the 2027 general elections. He claimed that Tinubu would not retain power in a free and fair contest.
Frank said, “He knows that if there is a free and fair election today, he is not going to come back. Instead of being desperate to destroy political parties and democratic institutions, the President should do the right thing: conduct free and fair elections.”
The presidency has not responded to Frank’s allegations contained in the statement.
His call places religious leaders at the centre of an ongoing national conversation about governance, accountability, and the responsibility of influential institutions in holding political authorities to account.
Frank urged Christian and Muslim leaders across the country to emulate the Catholic bishops by openly expressing concerns about policies they believe negatively affect Nigerians.
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