The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, has distanced the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the wider Nigerian Church from comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Your View on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Adegbite said Onaiyekan’s remarks represented his personal views and should not be regarded as the official position of CAN or the Christian community in Nigeria.
He stated: “Whatever comments Baba Onaiyekan has made is for himself alone, not for the Church in Nigeria, not for the Christian Association of Nigeria.”
Adegbite argued that discussions between religious leaders and the President should remain private, adding that Tinubu had already responded to the issues raised during the meeting.
According to him, making public comments shortly after the visit was unnecessary and could create the impression that the remarks reflected the collective position of the Church.
The cleric also defended the President’s constitutional powers to appoint public officials, saying criticisms of government appointments were misplaced.
While acknowledging that religious leaders have a role in speaking on national issues, Adegbite stressed that such interventions should be constructive and focused on helping government improve.
He urged faith leaders to promote unity and exercise caution in their public statements to avoid creating divisions within the Christian community or the wider society…See_More
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