The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has come out in defence of Cardinal John Onaiyekan, dismissing the Presidency’s claim that he breached trust by speaking publicly about a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The council, which said it represents over 38 million Catholic laity nationwide, made its position known in a statement signed by its National President, Sir Ambrose Obioha, and Secretary General, Francis Olayinka Ojo, following days of back-and-forth between the Presidency and the Catholic Church. During the interview, Onaiyekan said the bishops presented a position paper reflecting concerns over worsening hardship, insecurity and the state of democracy, but that the President disagreed with their assessment. He further suggested that those around Tinubu might not be giving him an accurate picture of the realities facing ordinary Nigerians. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, had earlier argued that neither law nor Catholic teaching prohibits bishops from publicly discussing issues of national importance after meeting government officials.