ABUJA — Human rights activist and law professor, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has strongly condemned the Presidency’s hostile response to criticism from the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, describing the decision to deploy presidential spokespersons and aides against the cleric as a grave political misstep.
Speaking on the recent exchange of words between government media aides and the revered Catholic prelate, Odinkalu expressed dismay at the administration’s defensive posture, questioning the wisdom behind attacking a senior religious leader who spoke on national governance and socio-economic hardship.
“I do not understand whose idea it was for the Presidency to send attack dogs after Cardinal Onaiyekan,” Odinkalu stated. “I really can’t understand what their intent or design was or whose brilliant idea that was because that was beyond stupid…”
The feud erupted after Cardinal Onaiyekan raised concerns over public governance, economic distress, and the credibility of the political process during recent media interviews and public engagements following a delegation visit to the State House. In response, presidential aides and government loyalists launched aggressive counter-attacks, accusing the cardinal of partisan bias and selective activism.
Odinkalu noted that attacking high-profile moral authorities rather than constructively addressing the systemic issues they highlight only serves to alienate the public and undermine government credibility. He warned that attempt by state officials to intimidate critical voices—especially respected religious figures—reflects poor political strategy and institutional intolerance.
