Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has said people around President Bola Tinubu are giving him a false picture of Nigeria’s economic situation. He said the Catholic bishops raised concerns about the country’s hardship during their meeting with the President, but Tinubu rejected their assessment.

Onaiyekan explained that he was not surprised by the President’s response, adding that many of those close to Tinubu continue to present a rosy view of the country instead of the true situation facing millions of Nigerians.

The cleric insisted that the bishops had a duty to tell the President the truth, even if it was uncomfortable. He stressed that Nigeria is facing serious challenges and urged leaders to acknowledge the reality in order to find lasting solutions.