Former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, James Bawa Magaji, has urged the federal government to heed the counsel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), saying the Church’s observations are intended to promote good governance and national development.
In a statement issued on Monday, Magaji backed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s position on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, describing the body as the conscience of society whose moral voice has endured for more than 2,000 years.
He said governments across the world take the observations and counsel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference seriously because they help leaders reflect on their policies, make necessary corrections and improve society for the common good.
Magaji, however, lamented that in Nigeria, well-intentioned observations are sometimes misconstrued, with constructive criticism interpreted in bad faith instead of being embraced as an opportunity to improve governance.
According to him, the Catholic Church has earned global respect by consistently speaking on issues of justice, peace and the common good without seeking political patronage or personal gain.
The former deputy governor also condemned what he described as disrespectful and derogatory remarks against Cardinal John Onaiyekan over recent observations by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, stressing that constructive criticism should be met with reflection rather than insults.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face significant governance and socio-economic challenges, saying responsible leaders should welcome sincere advice from credible institutions instead of dismissing it.
“No leader is above correction. Governments should appreciate honest, voluntary counsel from respected institutions such as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference instead of treating it as hostility,” he said.
Magaji said constructive criticism remains an essential ingredient of good governance and national development and urged leaders to value honest counsel from institutions committed to the country’s progress.
He also called on the Catholic Church to sustain its mission of providing moral guidance while encouraging the faithful to support leaders who value accountability, welcome constructive criticism and remain committed to serving the people.
Magaji maintained that the Catholic Church’s enduring moral authority deserves respect and urged governments to regard the conference’s interventions as constructive contributions to building a more just and prosperous society.
