Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on Christian and Muslim leaders across Nigeria to emulate the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) by confronting President Bola Tinubu with what he described as the harsh realities facing the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Frank said the Catholic bishops distinguished themselves by openly raising concerns about Nigeria’s worsening economy, democratic governance and the nation’s political direction during their engagement with the President.
He described the bishops’ intervention as a rare display of moral courage, insisting that religious leaders must serve as the conscience of the nation rather than remain silent in the face of hardship.
“We commend the Catholic leaders for their courage. They looked the President in the face and told him the bitter truth. Nigeria needs more religious leaders who are prepared to speak truth to power,” Frank said.
He urged President Tinubu to take the bishops’ message seriously, arguing that their intervention reflected the frustrations of millions of Nigerians grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.
Frank lamented what he described as the growing reluctance of some religious leaders to challenge those in authority, alleging that many abandon difficult conversations after visiting the Presidential Villa.
According to him, faith leaders owe Nigerians more than prayers—they also have a duty to demand accountability from elected officials whenever national interest is at stake.
The former APC spokesman accused the Tinubu administration of deepening corruption, insecurity, unemployment and poverty while weakening democratic institutions and shrinking the political space for opposition parties.
He questioned the legacy the current administration would leave behind, warning that history would judge leaders by the condition of the nation and the strength of its democratic institutions.
Frank also alleged that the government was positioning itself to influence the outcome of the 2027 general election by undermining opposition parties and interfering in democratic processes.
He urged the President to protect the integrity of the electoral process and allow Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.
Frank concluded by appealing to religious leaders across all denominations and faiths to rise above fear and political considerations by consistently speaking truth to power.
“This is the time for religious leaders to stand firmly with the people. They must continue to speak the truth without fear or favour and defend the values of justice, accountability and good governance,” he said.