Northern Christian Group Backs Catholic Bishops, Rebukes Presidential Aide Over Divisive Remarks

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has strongly backed the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria following their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, condemning remarks made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala. The association accused the presidential spokesman of trying to create division within the Christian community.

In a statement, NCA Chairman Rev. Joseph Hayab emphasized that the Catholic bishops spoke on behalf of all Nigerians and Christians regarding widespread socio-economic and security challenges, rather than strictly Catholic affairs.

Reiterating that the NCA represents a broad spectrum of denominations across Northern Nigeria—including Catholic, Baptist, ECWA, Methodist, Anglican, and Pentecostal bodies Hayab warned against divisive political tactics. He stated that the Christian community would resist any attempts to pit different denominations against one another.

Hayab praised the bishops and Cardinal John Onaiyekan for offering sincere, patriotic counsel to the President, calling it a disservice to the administration for government officials to dismiss or disrespect religious leaders who highlight the daily realities facing citizens.

He further urged political appointees to engage constructively with honest feedback regarding the nation’s challenges rather than resorting to propaganda, warning that failing to address these issues would ultimately affect all Nigerians regardless of affiliation.

The dispute follows a meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and President Tinubu, during which the clergy urged the Federal Government to take stronger action against rising economic hardship and insecurity across the country.