Aug 2, 2026

Northern Christians Rally Behind Catholic Bishops, Slam Bwala Over Divisive Politics

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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In a firm display of Christian solidarity, the Northern Christian Association (NCA) has strongly backed the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria following their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, while sharply rebuking the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, for what it described as an attempt to sow division within the Christian community.

The controversy erupted after Catholic bishops, during a July 28, 2026 meeting at the State House in Abuja, raised pressing concerns about Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions and insecurity.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan later disclosed that President Tinubu disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the economy and security situation, insisting that the administration’s policies were yielding positive results.

Bwala’s subsequent response, in which he suggested Onaiyekan spoke only for Catholics and not the broader Christian body while linking the Church to political interests, sparked widespread backlash.

On Sunday, NCA Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab issued a strongly worded statement rejecting any attempt to pit one Christian denomination against another.

He emphasised that the Northern Christian Association comprises members from virtually every major denomination in the region, including Catholics, Baptists, ECWA, Methodists, Anglicans, and Pentecostals. “We should tell Bwala to know that Catholics are Christians and Nigerians,” Hayab declared.

“Our members are Catholics, Baptists, ECWA, Methodists, Anglicans, Pentecostals and people of all denominations. We refuse to be divided by Bwala’s politics of division.”

Hayab described the Catholic bishops and Cardinal Onaiyekan as respected leaders who approached the President not with sectarian demands but with sincere counsel on issues affecting humanity, Christians, and all Nigerians.

He called Bwala’s comments “shameful and a disservice” to the President, arguing that the bishops offered honest advice intended for the good of the administration and the nation.

“An honest counsel has been given to Mr President for his own good and for a better Nigeria,” the NCA chairman stated.

The cleric further criticized what he saw as a growing tendency among some government officials to dismiss legitimate concerns raised by religious leaders through propaganda rather than constructive engagement.

He warned that such attitudes ultimately harm the country, noting that if Nigeria’s challenges remain unresolved, every citizen will suffer the consequences regardless of political affiliation.

“The NCA knows that our Catholic bishops mean well and love the President and the country more than those insulting their honest counsel,” Hayab added.

The development has drawn additional political reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the Presidency’s response to the bishops, describing it as evidence of growing intolerance of dissenting voices and calling for an apology.

The episode highlights deepening tensions between sections of the Christian leadership and the Tinubu administration over the nation’s economic hardship, insecurity, and the broader political climate ahead of the 2027 elections.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple challenges, the NCA’s intervention serves as a reminder of the influential role religious leaders play in national discourse—and the delicate balance required when faith leaders engage government on matters of public interest.