John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Bishop Emeritus of Abuja, has criticized Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)…CONTINUE READING
for allegedly misleading Nigerians and lacking transparency in the handling of the 2023 elections.
Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Jesuit Memorial College, Cardinal Onaiyekan accused Mahmood of failing to communicate the truth to the public, especially when things did not go as planned.
The clergyman emphasized the importance of upholding the truth, even as the opposition challenged President Bola Tinubu’s victory in court.
He stated, “We must resist the notion that it’s acceptable for certificates to be forged in this country. We must reject a situation where elections are manipulated, and citizens are directed to seek justice in court.
Such actions have consequences. As Jesus said, ‘You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.’ INEC must acknowledge the significant lack of trust in their actions.”
Cardinal Onaiyekan pointed out that there is no harm in admitting that things did not go as well as expected, and he expressed his disappointment with Professor Mahmood’s televised assertions that everything went perfectly. He believed that Mahmood was not truthful in his statements.
The Cardinal reiterated his commitment to praying for Nigeria, as he believes that truth-telling is crucial for progress. He added, “I am a person of faith, and I continue to pray to God for forgiveness and guidance to find the truth. If we speak the truth, progress will follow. Nigerians are resilient and wonderful, and I maintain hope that progress is possible.”
