‘We Won’t Be Divided’: Northern Christian Association Rebukes Daniel Bwala

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has thrown its weight behind the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, strongly defending their recent engagement with President Bola Tinubu while accusing the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, of promoting divisive politics capable of undermining Christian unity in the country.

The association’s reaction follows a public disagreement sparked by comments made after the Catholic Bishops’ meeting with President Tinubu. Bwala had argued that former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, spoke only for Catholics and not for the wider Christian community, a position that drew criticism from several Christian leaders and political figures.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the NCA insisted that the Catholic Bishops’ message to the President reflected concerns shared by Christians and Nigerians generally, including issues of governance, national welfare, insecurity and economic hardship. The association maintained that the bishops spoke in the national interest rather than on behalf of Catholics alone.

Hayab rejected any attempt to create divisions within the Christian community, stressing that the NCA comprises members from major Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church, Baptist, ECWA, Methodist, Anglican, Pentecostal and other churches.

According to him, “Catholics are Christians,” and any effort to portray them differently amounts to unnecessary politics that could weaken Christian solidarity. He said the association would not allow political interests to divide believers along denominational lines.

The NCA further described Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops as respected religious leaders whose meeting with President Tinubu was intended to offer sincere counsel on issues affecting Nigerians. The association argued that rather than criticising the clerics, government officials should pay attention to the substance of their concerns.

Hayab added that honest advice from respected religious leaders should be welcomed, noting that constructive criticism is essential for good governance and national development.

The association also warned that public office holders who prioritise propaganda over addressing the hardships facing Nigerians risk worsening public distrust. It urged government officials to focus on resolving the country’s economic and security challenges instead of engaging in rhetoric capable of inflaming religious or political tensions.

The controversy has continued to generate reactions across Nigeria, with several political leaders, civil society groups and religious organisations calling for greater respect for religious institutions and encouraging the government to engage constructively with criticism rather than personalise disagreements.