Monsignor Obiora Ike, a religious leader and Founding Director of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), has criticised recent attacks on Catholic bishops by some presidential supporters following the clerics’ remarks on the state of the nation during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the Presidential Villa.

Speaking in an interview on Afia News on Tuesday, 4 August, 2026, Ike reacted to comments made by Daniel Bwala and another presidential supporter, Mr. Ajayi, after Catholic bishops told President Tinubu that many of his administration’s policies were not easing the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians.

According to the cleric, public officials and government spokespersons should avoid inflammatory remarks when responding to religious leaders who express concerns over national issues.

“When I hear someone who is paid salary for making noise like Daniel Bwala and Mr Ajayi, I say ‘gentleman, play it down. Just be a little more civil,'” Ike said.

He maintained that the Catholic bishops were carrying out their moral responsibility by speaking on issues affecting the people, stressing that constructive criticism should not be interpreted as hostility toward the government.

Ike argued that religious leaders have consistently played important roles in promoting justice, peace and good governance, adding that differing opinions are essential in a democratic society. He noted that criticism of government policies should be addressed through reasoned engagement rather than personal attacks.