…Says Citizens Are Not Helpless Slaves

Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has called on Nigerians to reject what he described as a culture of silence and demand accountability from elected leaders, insisting that citizens are not helpless subjects but stakeholders with the right to question those in authority.

Speaking at the Law Campus of Ave Maria University, Piyanko, Abuja, during activities marking the 70th birthday of the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the cardinal said democracy can only thrive when citizens actively hold public officials accountable for their actions and policies.

Onaiyekan lamented a situation where elected officials often assume the role of “lords and masters” after securing public office, while citizens remain silent in the face of poor governance.

“I’m hoping that before I go to paradise, I will see a nation where the government is for the people,” he said.

The cleric stressed that accountability should apply across all levels of government, from Local Government Councils to the presidency, noting that public office holders are elected to serve the people and not the other way around.

“We elect people into government, and then they become our lord and master. They do whatever they like, and we keep quiet, and we are told to go to court. We cannot continue like that,” he stated.

According to him, Nigerians must build stronger democratic institutions and civic mechanisms that enable citizens to demand explanations and transparency from those entrusted with public power.

He expressed optimism that the growing willingness of Nigerians to speak out on national issues signalled a gradual departure from the culture of fear and silence that has often characterised public engagement.

The cardinal also defended the right of Catholic bishops to speak on national issues and criticise government policies they consider detrimental to the welfare of citizens.

“When we, as bishops, criticise policies of government, if we think they are not working for the good of the people, we are only doing the normal thing. Nothing extraordinary,” he said.

Onaiyekan dismissed concerns over attacks and criticisms that sometimes follow his public comments, saying he remains encouraged by the support he receives from Nigerians.

“I don’t think I need any more approval than that. And because of that, I sleep fine with no concerns,” he said.

At 82, the cardinal said he was no longer worried about threats or intimidation, adding that his faith gave him confidence to continue speaking on issues affecting society.

“At 82, you don’t worry yourself too much about anything from this world,” he remarked, adding that even death held no fear for him because of his Christian conviction that it would lead to eternal life.

In his remarks, Bishop Onah said the Church’s engagement with public affairs should not be misunderstood as a quest for political relevance or public attention.

“Our calling and mission is to speak to your consciences, to make this country better,” he said.

The bishop urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to the broader teachings of the Church on morality, character and responsible living rather than focusing only on occasional statements by church leaders on political developments.

Onah, who toured facilities at the university’s Pyakasa campus, commended the institution’s growth and vision and expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo, for awarding postgraduate scholarships to two priests from the Nsukka Diocese.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor described the visit as a significant moment for the university, which he said was founded to combine academic excellence with moral and spiritual formation.

According to him, Ave Maria University seeks to produce graduates who are intellectually competent, morally upright, spiritually grounded and socially responsible.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council, Mrs Eucharia Onah, described Bishop Onah’s life as a remarkable example of service, scholarship and leadership.

She noted that since his ordination as a Catholic priest in 1984 and subsequent appointment as Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, he has distinguished himself as a scholar, teacher and pastor whose contributions have earned respect within and outside the Church.

The event at Ave Maria University provided an opportunity for both church leaders to reinforce the importance of responsible citizenship, ethical leadership and democratic accountability, while encouraging Nigerians to play a more active role in shaping the country’s future.

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