Don’t politicise Catholic bishops’ concerns – KSJI tells Tinubu

The Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary (KSJI) has urged Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to allow religious leaders and stakeholders to voice their constructive opinions in addressing Nigeria's challenges. Following the controversy surrounding the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) recent meeting with President Tinubu, the KSJI condemned the political and partisan tone used by some presidential spokespersons, which has generated confusion in the country.

The bishops met with the president to address concerns over increasing insecurity, economic hardship, democracy, and the conduct of elections. In their open letter, signed by KSJI Chairman Sir Peter Osamgbi, the knights emphasized that a respected religious institution raising concerns about the nation's state does not turn the institution into a political opposition or justify attributing partisan or political motives to the bishops' intervention.

The knights called the characterization unfortunate and stressed that CBCN has long played an essential role in Nigeria's public life as a moral and religious institution, representing the Catholic Church's collective pastoral leadership. The letter explained that the bishops have consistently engaged with government leaders on issues pertaining to peace, security, justice, good governance, religious harmony, and the general welfare of Nigerians, indicating that the latest meeting with the Presidency should be no different.

The KSJI stressed that the Presidency should always differentiate legitimate dialogue from selfish motives and avoid attributing partisan political motives to such engagements.