Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has responded to criticism from the Presidency over his recent comments following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that he has no reason to be embarrassed by his remarks.
Speaking in an interview, Onaiyekan said he was not trying to please the government or anyone else, but was simply expressing what he believed to be the truth.
“I cannot be embarrassed. I’m 82 years old. Nobody can embarrass me,” the Cardinal said.
He maintained that he was not afraid of arrest or intimidation, stressing that Nigerians should not take the freedom to speak openly about issues affecting the country for granted.
Onaiyekan also noted that several Nigerians, including social media users and religious leaders from different faiths, had expressed support for the concerns raised by the bishops.
According to him, both Catholic and non-Catholic religious leaders, including Muslim leaders, are affected by the challenges facing the country, particularly poverty and hardship.
“When it comes to what is happening to Nigeria, the poverty, the suffering, we are all in the same boat now,” he said.
