Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has said he would resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu ever disrespects the Catholic Church or the political opposition.
The senator representing Abia North made the declaration on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, amid the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s recent meeting with Catholic bishops.
Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, defended the President, insisting Tinubu did not insult the Catholic bishops and had no reason to apologise.
“Any day President Tinubu has disrespect for the opposition, or has disrespect for the Catholic Church, I’d resign from the APC. The President can never insult the Catholic bishop, knowing him. The President didn’t say anything that needs apology. If there is anything wrong the Presidency has done, he should apologise,” he said.
He described Tinubu as a longtime friend of the Catholic Church, adding that there was nothing wrong with the bishops openly expressing their concerns to the President.
According to Kalu, comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan after the meeting should not be regarded as the official position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
He noted that the discussion with Tinubu was held publicly, with cameras present, and said Onaiyekan’s remarks could have reflected his personal opinion rather than the collective stance of the bishops.
Kalu also pointed out that the official communiqué after the meeting was delivered by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, while individual cardinals and archbishops remained free to express their personal views.
The controversy began after Onaiyekan said the bishops told Tinubu that Nigeria was “bleeding” and that many citizens were facing severe economic hardship. He also claimed the President disagreed with their assessment of the country’s economic situation.
