Middle Belt Forum Backs Onaiyekan, Bishops on Economy

The Middle Belt Forum has thrown its weight behind former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria over their criticism of the country’s economic and security situation, insisting that their comments reflect the daily realities confronting millions of Nigerians. The forum also condemned what it described as “unwarranted attacks” on the cleric by some presidential aides and supporters, saying speaking about poverty, insecurity and human suffering should not be politicised. The position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the National Spokesman of the MBF, Luka Binniyat. The statement followed recent exchanges after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on July 24, during which the bishops reportedly expressed concerns over rising poverty, economic hardship and insecurity.