Don’t politicise Catholic bishops’ concerns – KSJI tells Tinubu
The Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary (KSJI) in Nigeria have called on President Bola Tinubu and other national leaders to embrace constructive input from religious leaders and various stakeholders in addressing the country’s challenges.
In an open letter to the President, prompted by recent controversy surrounding the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) visit to Abuja, the KSJI expressed concern over the political interpretations and partisan tones attributed to the visit by some presidential officials.
During their meeting with President Tinubu, the bishops conveyed urgent concerns about rising insecurity, economic difficulties, the state of democracy, and electoral conduct in Nigeria.
The letter, signed by Sir Peter Osamgbi, Chairman of the KSJI Strategic Communication Committee, emphasized that the involvement of a respected religious institution in national discourse should not be misconstrued as a political opposition or a justification for attributing partisan motives to their actions.
The organization described such characterizations as regrettable, asserting that the CBCN has historically played a vital role in Nigeria’s public life as a moral authority and representative of the Catholic Church’s collective pastoral leadership.
The letter noted that the bishops have engaged with government leaders over many years on critical issues such as peace, security, justice, good governance, religious harmony, and the overall well-being of Nigerians. The KSJI reiterated that the recent meeting with the Presidency should be viewed in the same context.
“The Presidency should consistently differentiate legitimate dialogue from ulterior motives and avoid attributing partisan political agendas to such discussions,” the letter stated.
