Cardinal Onaiyekan urges president Tinubu to serve all Nigerians equally

Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize national unity and inclusivity in his administration.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Inside Sources program on Sunday, the cleric emphasized that Tinubu has a responsibility to serve all Nigerians, regardless of the voting patterns in the 2023 election.

More Nigerians voted against Tinubu than for him in the election, but he is now the president of everyone and must rise above partisan interests, Onaiyekan said.

He urged the president to transition from campaign mode to governance, warning against a polarised approach that rewards political allies and regions that delivered votes with appointments and projects. Instead, the cardinal emphasized the need for fairness and equity in governance, urging Tinubu to ensure all regions and citizens feel represented.

The cleric’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about national cohesion and equitable development in Nigeria following the closely contested election.

His call reflects growing concerns among many Nigerians about the need for policies and leadership that bridge divides and promote collective progress for the country.

He said, “There are Nigerians who did not vote for APC. Granted that APC got the highest number of votes and that is why they have the right to rule us. But they also forget that there are millions of Nigerians who did not (vote for the APC).

“Whatever the rules say, the reality is that more people vote against Mr President than those who voted for him.

“Even if you are a minority government, which is what I call what we have now, you still have a duty to serve the people and to do all you can to give everybody what is their right, and to rule well.”

Cardinal Onaiyekan urged the President to do his best to move the nation forward as he would give account of his stewardship to God.

“Mr President, it’s about time you switched from campaign mode to governance mode. Elections are over. Campaigns are over. You now have to govern and govern the whole of Nigeria and every Nigerian.

“And therefore, the whole system whereby high political offices are given as a reward for those who were political activists, I don’t believe that that is the best way to move the nation forward.

“I would say, now that you (Tinubu) have been declared the President of Nigeria, sit down comfortably on that chair. As a religious leader, I would say God has allowed you on that chair. If God puts you there, you must then know that he is watching you and that He will be asking you what you did on that chair,” he said.