Catholic cleric Cardinal John Onaiyekan has blamed comments by individuals he described as the government’s “attack dogs” for the public controversy surrounding his recent interview with Arise Television.
Onaiyekan said the interventions of the individuals provoked Nigerians and drew greater public attention to the interview than his original comments.
The cleric made the remarks while reflecting on his interview with Arise TV’s Charles Aniagolu, which generated reactions from members of the public.
According to Onaiyekan, his comments during the interview reflected concerns that Catholic bishops had previously expressed during their visit to President Bola Tinubu.
He suggested that the controversy was amplified by the responses of those who criticised or challenged his remarks, rather than by the original interview itself.
