Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has challenged Christian and Muslim leaders to abandon what he described as “diplomatic silence” and confront President Bola Tinubu with the realities of worsening hardship, insecurity and democratic decline, praising the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for breaking ranks and speaking candidly to the President.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Frank said the Catholic bishops demonstrated uncommon courage by openly warning the President about the country’s economic crisis and concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the bishops had shown the kind of fearless leadership expected of religious leaders at a time many Nigerians were battling soaring living costs, unemployment and insecurity.
“We commend the Catholic leaders for their courage. They looked the President in the face and told him the bitter truth. That is the kind of leadership Nigerians expect from those entrusted with moral authority,” Frank said.
He urged President Tinubu to treat the bishops’ intervention as a sincere national wake-up call rather than criticism, insisting that listening to honest counsel would serve both the administration and the country.
Frank also took a swipe at some religious leaders, particularly within the Pentecostal fold, alleging that they often leave the Presidential Villa without addressing the issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that beyond offering prayers, religious leaders have a responsibility to challenge policies they believe are hurting the people and to hold leaders accountable.
The former APC spokesman accused the Tinubu administration of presiding over worsening corruption, insecurity, unemployment and poverty while allegedly weakening democratic institutions and shrinking the space for opposition politics.
He further alleged that the government was positioning itself to influence the outcome of the 2027 general election through interference in political parties and democratic institutions, urging the President instead to guarantee a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Frank concluded by calling on Christian and Muslim leaders across the country to emulate the Catholic bishops by speaking without fear whenever the nation’s interest is at stake.
“This is not the time for silence. Religious leaders must remain the conscience of the nation by speaking the truth, demanding accountability and standing firmly with the Nigerian people,” he said.