Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that he would resign from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ever disrespects the Catholic Church, insisting that religious leaders have a constitutional and moral duty to speak truth to those in power.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, amid growing controversy surrounding the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
Catholic bishops acted rightly, says Kalu
The controversy followed last week’s meeting between the Catholic bishops, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the meeting, the bishops expressed concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the growing burden on ordinary citizens.
The discussion later sparked public debate after Cardinal John Onaiyekan reportedly suggested that the President was displeased with the frank message delivered by the bishops.
The situation was further heightened after Presidential Adviser on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, accused the Catholic Church of aligning with the political opposition.
Reacting to the controversy, Kalu defended the bishops, describing them as the moral conscience of the nation.
“The Catholic bishops were right. If they had said anything less than what they said, they would no longer be the conscience of this country,” he said.
‘Tinubu has not disrespected the Church’
Despite defending the bishops’ intervention, Kalu dismissed claims that President Tinubu had insulted or disrespected the Catholic Church.
According to him, comments made by presidential aides should not automatically be interpreted as the President’s personal position.
“The Villa is not President Tinubu. I was a governor and I understand how communication works. President Tinubu has a very good relationship with the Catholic Church,” he stated.
The former Abia State governor noted that Catholic bishops have historically maintained independence from partisan politics and have consistently spoken out on issues affecting national development regardless of the administration in power.
“What politicians cannot tell the president, the Catholic bishops will tell him because they have no political interests to protect,” he added.
‘I will resign from APC’
Responding to calls for the Presidency to apologise to the Catholic Church, Kalu maintained that there was no evidence that Tinubu had personally committed any offence requiring an apology.
However, he drew a clear line on what he would consider unacceptable.
“Any day President Tinubu disrespects the opposition, or the Catholic Church, I will resign from the APC,” the senator declared.
Kalu defends Tinubu’s economic reforms
Speaking on Nigeria’s economy, Kalu expressed support for the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, arguing that key macroeconomic indicators have begun showing signs of improvement.
According to him, the exchange rate is becoming more stable, fuel prices are gradually moderating, investor confidence is improving and foreign direct investment is beginning to return.
“The macro side of the economy has been stabilised. The exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are stabilising, foreign direct investments are coming in and confidence is gradually returning,” he said.
Nigerians still feeling the pain
Despite his optimism, Kalu acknowledged that the gains from the reforms have yet to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians.
Drawing from his experience as a businessman and manufacturer, he admitted that businesses and households continue to struggle under harsh economic conditions.
“As a businessman, I manufacture goods, and I know the microeconomy is not doing well. President Tinubu himself knows Nigerians are suffering,” he said.
The senator attributed much of the country’s economic hardship to persistent insecurity, arguing that restoring peace would enable farmers to return to their farms, increase food production and ultimately reduce inflation.
Kalu stressed that while economic reforms require time to produce results, addressing insecurity remains critical to ensuring that Nigerians begin to feel the benefits of the government’s policies.
