ABUJA — Catholic cleric Cardinal John Onaiyekan has challenged the Federal Government to focus on improving the lives of Nigerians instead of offering repeated explanations about its policies. He made the remarks while speaking with journalists after an event in Abuja, stressing that citizens expect practical solutions.
According to the former Archbishop of Abuja, Nigerians are looking for visible progress in areas such as security, the economy and the cost of living. He said public confidence will grow only when government actions produce meaningful results.
“We’re done talking; govern better.”
Onaiyekan observed that many families continue to face economic hardship despite assurances from public officials. He urged those in authority to concentrate on implementing policies that deliver measurable benefits to the people.
The cardinal also encouraged leaders to welcome criticism rather than dismiss opposing views. He said constructive engagement with citizens is essential for responsive and accountable governance.
“People want to see governance that works.”
He further appealed for greater commitment to justice, transparency and national unity. According to him, these values remain critical to building public trust and promoting sustainable development.
The cleric’s remarks align with previous positions taken by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which has consistently called on government to address insecurity, economic challenges and corruption through effective leadership.
Political observers said the comments reflect growing public expectations for improved governance. They noted that many Nigerians are increasingly assessing governments by their performance and the impact of their policies rather than official statements.
