Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Allied People’s Movement (APM) strongly condemned the Presidency’s attack on the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, over his comments regarding the country’s worsening economic situation under President Bola Tinubu’s failed administration. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abubakar Yusuf, said, ‘’This resort to personal attacks against respected citizens for speaking out on the suffering of Nigerians clearly demonstrates the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s disdain for the public. ‘’It further confirms that the administration is unwilling to listen to the voice of reason or take decisive steps to address the challenges facing our nation.’’ According to the party, ‘’The APM is particularly concerned by the coordinated attacks against the globally respected Cardinal Onaiyekan, whose remarks were made in the public interest and reflect the harsh realities confronting millions of Nigerians under the Tinubu-led APC government.’’ The APM said, ‘’As leaders who interact daily with citizens across communities, religious leaders serve as credible voices that any administration with the interests of Nigerians at heart should respect and value. Their observations deserve careful attention, not hostility. ‘’Faith-based leaders do not speak in isolation; they listen to citizens, counsel families, support vulnerable communities, and understand the realities facing the people. Their interventions should be received in good faith and considered valuable feedback for the government. ‘’It is therefore unfortunate and highly vexatious that rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of worsening insecurity and biting economic hardship raised by religious leaders, the APC-led Federal Government chose instead to attack and ridicule them for drawing attention to the plight of Nigerians. ‘’Such a response reflects an alarming level of intolerance, arrogance, and disregard for democratic principles such as free speech, dialogue, and accountability—all of which must be condemned by all. ‘’Democracy thrives when leaders listen to the people, respect opposing views, and respond to genuine concerns with humility. Resorting to personal attacks against Nigerians, including respected religious leaders, only deepens public distrust and diverts attention from the urgent task of addressing the economic difficulties confronting the nation.’’ The party said that it maintains that President Tinubu cannot dismiss legitimate concerns by merely pointing to inherited problems. ‘’Nigerians want solutions, not excuses. Since President Tinubu has demonstrated through his reliance on excuses that he has no solutions, he should withdraw from the presidential race and allow younger hands with workable solutions to manage the affairs of our nation. ‘’What Nigerians expect now is for President Tinubu to apologize to the nation for these unwarranted attacks directed at respected faith-based leaders for voicing the concerns of the people.’’ The APM reiterated that no government strengthens democracy by silencing or intimidating voices of conscience. The path to national progress lies in listening to the people, respecting institutions, embracing accountability, and responding decisively to the genuine concerns of citizens. ‘’We urge the Tinubu administration to abandon its combative approach to criticism and focus instead on implementing policies that address hunger, restore hope, and improve the living conditions of all Nigerians.’’, Yusuf said
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