Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said Catholic bishops are no longer interested in trading words with the Presidency. The statement came days after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on July 28, 2026. During that meeting, the bishops presented their assessment of the country’s economy, security, and the welfare of citizens. “We didn’t go there just as Catholic bishops pushing the Catholic agenda. While saying “we’re done talking” in the media, Onaiyekan expressed hope that the dialogue with government would continue behind closed doors.