The Knights of St. John International & Ladies Auxiliary (KSJl) Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders in the country to always accommodate opposing views from credible, apolitical and crucial stakeholders in the course of nation-building.

The KSJl made the call in an open letter to the President against the backdrop of the controversy and rancour arising from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) recent visit to the President in Abuja.

The bishops had, on July 30, met with President Tinubu on Thursday and raised concerns over rising insecurity, economic hardship, democracy and the conduct of elections.

The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who was part of the delegation, said on Arise TV that the President disagreed with their assessment, insisting that his administration was making progress.

Two presidential spokespersons, Temitope Ajayi and Daniel Bwala, tackled Onaiyekan, saying it was inappropriate for the cardinal to publicly give his own account and interpretation of what transpired at the private meeting between the bishops and Tinubu.

Their reactions drew criticisms, with many commentators backing Onaiyekan and other bishops for speaking truth to power.

In the letter signed by Sir Peter Osamgbi, the Chairman, KSJI Strategic Communication Committee, the KSJl particularly frowned at the presumed political and partisan coloration attached to the visit by some presidential spokespersons, and the controversy it has equally generated in the public space.

The KSJI said: “The fact that a respected religious institution raises concerns about the state of the nation does not transform that institution into a political opposition or to attribute partisan or political motives to the bishops’ intervention. With profound respect to Your Excellency and the high office which you occupy, we consider such a characterisation unfortunate.”

They added: “The CBCN has, over the years, occupied an important position in Nigeria’s public life as a moral and religious institution. The CBCN represents the collective pastoral leadership of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

“For many years, the Bishops have engaged leaders of government on matters affecting peace, security, justice, good governance, religious harmony and the general welfare of Nigerians.”

The knights, therefore, called on the Presidency to always distinguish legitimate dialogue from selfish motives, and shun imputing partisan political motives to such engagements, among others.