Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Burden of Consistency

When respected national figures speak on matters of governance, security, and leadership, Nigerians are entitled to listen. But they are equally entitled to ask one fundamental question: Were the same standards applied to previous administrations?

Cardinal John Onaiyekan's recent call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over insecurity has once again placed him at the center of national political debate. Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to criticize any government. The clergy are no exception. However, public credibility is strengthened by consistency — not selective outrage.

During the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Cardinal Onaiyekan was one of the country's most influential religious voices. He maintained regular engagement with the Presidency and publicly discussed the Boko Haram crisis with government officials. Following a meeting with President Jonathan, he explained that the Catholic Bishops visited because they believed the President was not being properly informed about the true situation in the North-East and wanted to present him with the realities on the ground.

That raises an unavoidable question.

If President Jonathan was, in the Cardinal's own words, not receiving accurate information, why was the answer then to advise, engage, and encourage the government? Why is the prescription today resignation?

The contrast is difficult to ignore.

Dialogue Then, Resignation Now

In 2013, Cardinal Onaiyekan also publicly supported efforts aimed at dialogue and even proposals surrounding amnesty as part of attempts to resolve the Boko Haram crisis. Whether one agreed with that position or not, it represented a belief that engagement could be part of the solution.

Fast forward to today.

The same insecurity that once attracted calls for dialogue and engagement is now presented as sufficient reason for President Tinubu to vacate office.

"Nigerians are entitled to ask: What changed? The security challenge — or the occupant of Aso Rock?"

— The Trojan Beast

Principles Must Apply to Everyone

The same moral consistency applies to questions of presidential pardons. Cardinal Onaiyekan publicly criticized controversial pardons during the Jonathan era, arguing that justice and accountability mattered. Those were principled positions.

But principles must remain principles regardless of who occupies the Presidency.

The Nigerian people deserve to know whether criticism is being applied evenly or selectively.

One question many Nigerians are asking is whether Cardinal Onaiyekan's closeness to the Jonathan administration affected the tone of his public interventions. During those years, he frequently met with government officials, offered advice, and sought engagement. Today, however, his message is markedly different.

Three Questions That Demand an Answer

Was patience reserved for one administration while another receives condemnation?

Was dialogue acceptable yesterday but unacceptable today?

Was engagement a virtue under Jonathan but a weakness under Tinubu?

These are fair questions in a democracy.

No administration should be immune from criticism. President Tinubu's government must answer for its security policies and overall performance. But those who held influence during previous administrations should also expect their own records and public positions to be scrutinized.

"History remembers not only today's statements but yesterday's actions."

— The Trojan Beast

The Standard Must Be Universal

If engagement with government was the responsible course during Jonathan's presidency, why has that principle seemingly disappeared?

If dialogue with those involved in the insurgency was once advocated as part of a national solution, why is the current administration judged by an entirely different standard?

Public trust is built on consistency. Credibility is earned when the same moral yardstick is applied to friends and opponents alike.

Nigeria deserves voices that speak truth to every government — not just the governments they disagree with.

The burden of consistency rests on everyone, including religious leaders. The nation is watching, and Nigerians have long memories.