Some people sponsor terrorism to blackmail Tinubu as they did to Jonathan — Bishop Kawas
Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, President-General of the Charismatic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, has alleged that certain individuals are funding banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in an effort to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Kawas made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, where he also discussed the conference’s recent endorsement of Tinubu for a second term. He emphasized that the endorsement was not driven by financial incentives, asserting that the bishops received no monetary compensation for their support.
“Today, this endorsement has not given us any one naira. No one naira has been given to us,” Kawas stated. “We did it because, based on current happenings in our nation, the sabotage of people sponsoring banditry and kidnapping is designed to cast a negative light on Tinubu.”
The archbishop drew parallels between the current situation and events during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, alleging that similar efforts were made to tarnish his reputation. He expressed the bishops’ belief that insecurity in Nigeria is being exploited by some groups to discredit Tinubu’s government.
Kawas remarked, “That is why we decided that since it is a proven fact—supported by international intelligence—that some people are sponsoring all this banditry and terrorism, it is intended to give Tinubu a bad name, frustrate his government, and blackmail him.”
The bishops’ decision to endorse Tinubu was based on their conviction that he is the right candidate to support. “If that is the case, then it is Tinubu that we are going to support. So we are. We believe we are being led to do so,” Kawas added.
When questioned about the influence of financial considerations in political endorsements, he maintained that the lack of financial benefits would not deter the bishops from backing a candidate they find suitable.
“If we participate in politics, and any blessing comes from it, fine and good. But where the blessing does not come financially, it also doesn’t matter as long as we are convinced that that is the right candidate,” he explained.
Kawas also referenced the 2023 presidential election, recalling that Peter Obi’s alleged refusal to provide financial incentives did not hinder the bishops from supporting him. “That is what happened at the time when Peter Obi did not give any money to any Nigerian; he said he would give shishi, and that did not stop us,” Kawas noted.
