In a recent interview on Channels Television, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, former Rivers State Governor, former Minister of Transportation, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi accused the Federal Government of disrespecting the Catholic Church through comments directed at its leaders.

Speaking during the interview, Amaechi declared, “We are 35 million Catholics, and you are insulting us.” He argued that criticisms directed at Catholic bishops and cardinals were viewed by millions of Catholics as attacks on the entire Church and its members.

According to the former governor, the Catholic Church has a responsibility to speak truth to those in authority whenever national issues such as poverty, insecurity, and hardship affect citizens. He maintained that religious leaders should not be criticized for expressing concerns about governance.

Amaechi also defended the comments made by Catholic leaders after their meeting with President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the meeting was not private because it was attended by members of the press. He argued that the Church had every right to publicly discuss issues it considered important to Nigerians.

The former minister said his decision to appear on the programme, despite observing the traditional mourning period for his late mother, was motivated by his desire to defend his faith. He emphasized that he was speaking as a Catholic rather than as a politician.

He concluded by urging the Federal Government to show greater respect for the Catholic Church and the Christian faith, stressing that mutual respect between government and religious institutions is essential for promoting unity and preserving national harmony.

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