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Presidency Replies Cardinal Onaiyekan, Says Remarks Were Political, Not Representative of All Christians
The Presidency has dismissed comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the cleric’s remarks as personal and political rather than representative of the entire Christian community in Nigeria.
The President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the remarks in a post on his X account on Saturday, August 1, while responding to Onaiyekan’s criticism following the recent visit of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to the President.
Cardinal Onaiyekan had accused the Tinubu administration of being more focused on winning political contests than addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
Responding, Bwala argued that the cardinal was expressing the views of the Catholic Church and not speaking on behalf of all Christians in Nigeria. He also claimed that the Catholic institution largely supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election.
According to Bwala, the cardinal’s comments were political rather than spiritual and did not reflect the opinions of all Catholic faithful.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan wasn’t speaking for Christians; he was speaking for Catholics, the very institutions rooting for Peter Obi. In fact, likely the institution where Peter Obi also said in 2022, ‘Take back your country.’ Therefore, the Cardinal is more political than spiritual. And not all Catholic members are supporting Peter Obi,” he wrote.
Bwala also defended President Tinubu’s response to the Catholic bishops’ assessment of the nation’s economy, arguing that the President was entitled to disagree based on available economic data.
“The President was well within his right to disagree with their assertion regarding Nigeria’s economy based purely on facts, statistics and numbers considered within the proper context,” he stated.
He further accused the cleric of applying a different standard to members of the church, suggesting that religious leaders often encourage worshippers to make positive declarations despite difficult circumstances.
“Ironically, the same priest would rebuke their members if they said, ‘We are suffering’ or ‘We are poor.’ They would instead tell them to declare, ‘We are doing great’ or ‘We are rich,’ even when they are facing hardship,” Bwala added.
The presidential aide maintained that there is a broader Christian body comprising various denominations, including the Catholic Church and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and argued that such organisations should remain politically neutral.
“There is a body comprising all Christians, including the Catholics and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and that body’s position is neutral and should remain so; otherwise, it becomes political,” he said.
The exchange follows renewed public debate over the role of religious leaders in commenting on governance and national affairs.
The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.
The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.
Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.
The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.
The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.
Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.
With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.
News
The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery
The fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially kicked off on Sunday at the Bokkos Mini Stadium, with hundreds of football enthusiasts, community leaders and stakeholders gathering to celebrate grassroots football, youth development and peaceful coexistence.
The tournament, which has become one of the most anticipated sporting events in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, began with a humanitarian outreach during which exercise books and cash donations were presented to over 100 indigent and physically challenged persons before the opening match.
In the tournament’s opening fixture, Takai United FC and Young Stars FC settled for a thrilling 1-1 draw, entertaining a capacity crowd that filled the stadium.
This year’s competition features 45 teams drawn from across Bokkos Local Government Area, with the grand finale scheduled for October. The eventual champions will receive a substantial cash prize.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Joseph Maful, popularly known as Jasper Fiton, described football as a powerful instrument for promoting peace and unity in communities.
Bokkos is a community that loves peace. The massive turnout here today shows that our people desire to live together in harmony. Football is the only language that can unite people regardless of their differences,” he said.
Chief Maful explained that the competition was created to provide young people with meaningful engagement while encouraging sporting excellence despite prevailing security challenges in some parts of the country.
“We are doing this because we want this tournament to endure, so that even generations yet unborn will know that football can bring people together. Security challenges will not stop us from creating opportunities for our youths to interact, learn and build lasting friendships,” he stated.
He also challenged community leaders, stakeholders and elites in Bokkos to invest more in youth-focused initiatives through sports.
“This is a challenge to every stakeholder. When we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of our community,” he added.
Beyond football, the tournament’s opening ceremony featured a significant humanitarian gesture as Chief Maful distributed ten 40-leaf exercise books and cash gifts of at least ₦10,000 each to more than 100 physically challenged and less privileged individuals.
According to him, the outreach was inspired by biblical principles of compassion and the need to support vulnerable members of society.
“We are only custodians of what we have. It is important to support the less privileged and make them feel included in our community,” he said.
Chief Maful also revealed that previous editions of the tournament had produced talented footballers who are now pursuing careers in different parts of Nigeria, expressing optimism that this year’s competition would create even greater opportunities, including possible international exposure for outstanding players.
Tournament Built on Unity and Talent Discovery
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Israel Hamidu Dakup, said the competition has remained true to its founding vision since its inception four years ago.
“Four years ago, we started this tournament to unite our youth, promote sportsmanship and discover talents. Today, that vision is alive and growing stronger,” Dakup said.
He urged participating teams to compete with discipline, respect and integrity, stressing that the tournament represents more than the pursuit of trophies.
“This tournament is about character and opportunity. To our coaches, officials, sponsors, partners and volunteers, thank you for your commitment in making this edition bigger and better,” he stated.
Dakup noted that this year’s theme, “Keeping Our Youth Engaged, Healthy and Away from Social Vices Through Football,” underscores the organisers’ commitment to youth empowerment, community development and peacebuilding through sports.
He thereafter declared the fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially open and wished all participating teams a successful and sportsmanlike competition.
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