Obi said religious leaders play an important role in reflecting the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and should not be attacked for expressing their views on national issues. According to Obi, governments should welcome constructive criticism rather than regard dissenting opinions as political opposition. In the statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi described recent criticisms directed at the Catholic bishops and Cardinal John Onaiyekan following their remarks on national issues as unnecessary. Obi maintained that issues such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment and poverty affect all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity. He added that feedback from religious leaders provides government with valuable insight into the experiences of citizens at the grassroots and should be considered in policymaking rather than dismissed.