Aug 4, 2026

Fr Oluoma Slams Bwala, Onanuga: “Stop Barking Like Dogs, Respond With Facts

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – August 4, 2026 — Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, popularly known as Fada Oluoma, has delivered a sharp rebuke to presidential media aides Daniel Bwala and Bayo Onanuga over their responses to comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan on Nigeria’s economic situation.

In a strongly worded Facebook post on Sunday, the Abuja Archdiocese priest accused the aides of resorting to personal attacks and “campaign of calumny” rather than engaging the issues raised by the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja.

The Spark: Cardinal Onaiyekan’s Comments

The controversy began after Cardinal Onaiyekan appeared on Arise Television and spoke about the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.

He also referenced a July 28 meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Bola Tinubu at the State House, during which the bishops presented their assessment of the economy and insecurity.

Presidential aides, particularly Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications Daniel Bwala, pushed back.

Bwala argued that Onaiyekan was speaking for Catholics rather than the broader Christian community and described the cardinal as “more political than spiritual,” linking the Church to support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Fr Oluoma’s Strong Response

Fr Oluoma rejected that approach. He said the first problem was the decision by a presidential media aide to escalate the matter by accusing the cardinal of bias and unethical behavior—a move he called “totally unnecessary and provocative.”

“Then characters like Daniel Bwala took the campaign of calumny against the Cardinal to insane level,” Oluoma stated.

He questioned why presidential media aides often behave “like attack dogs” instead of defending government policies with evidence.

“I expected Bayo Onanuga and his cohorts to respectfully and intelligently disagree with whatever the Cardinal said that they didn’t like.

All they needed do is explain how the economy has become better or is becoming better under Tinubu,” the priest said.

Focus on Lived Reality

Oluoma maintained that Nigerians judge the economy by their daily experiences—the cost of food, transportation, and other basic needs.

While acknowledging that the Tinubu administration has introduced structural reforms that may yield long-term benefits, he insisted that such measures should not be used to dismiss the immediate suffering of citizens.

He also defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Cardinal Onaiyekan, noting that Church leaders have consistently spoken on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians regardless of which government is in power.

Call for Constructive Engagement

The priest urged public officials to engage critics through constructive arguments grounded in facts and allow Nigerians to assess competing claims themselves.

The exchange has reignited debate over the appropriate response of government spokespersons to criticism from religious leaders and the balance between defending policy and attacking the messenger.

As the conversation continues, Fr Oluoma’s intervention has resonated with many who believe presidential aides should prioritise evidence-based rebuttals over personal confrontations.