As long as Pope Tinubu remains president, and as long as his ambition for 2027 is alive, what you are seeing now is just a child’s play,” he warned.
Abuja, Nigeria – Outspoken Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has stirred nationwide conversation after publicly criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, labeling him “Pope Tinubu,” and calling for his immediate impeachment. This development comes in the wake of the controversial arrest of social commentator and activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), which has once again ignited debate over freedom of expression and the deteriorating state of governance in Nigeria.
A Scathing Critique of Leadership
In a strongly worded statement posted to his official social media platforms, Rev. Fr. Ugwu lamented what he described as Nigeria’s worsening political and economic decline. He criticized the reactionary behavior of Nigerians who express frustration by destroying their own property — such as tearing passports or cutting ATM cards — as symbolic but ineffective gestures.
“Nigeria is bigger than you,” he wrote. “Tearing your passport does not shame the shameless… it solves nothing. It makes you look unserious.”
He cautioned citizens against what he called “emotional reactions without direction,” urging Nigerians instead to focus their energy on systemic change.
The Arrest of VDM and Suppression of Dissent
The priest’s message was delivered amidst growing outcry over the arrest of online activist VeryDarkMan, whose real name remains undisclosed by authorities. VDM, known for his controversial yet impactful social commentaries, was reportedly picked up by security forces for criticizing political elites and challenging Nigeria’s power structures.
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This arrest has raised fresh concerns over the state of freedom of speech under the current administration, as civil society groups, rights lawyers, and journalists increasingly face intimidation, surveillance, and arrests.
“We Have No Government” – Fr. Ugwu
Rev. Fr. Ugwu’s frustrations extended to what he described as a total breakdown in governance:
- He accused the Nigerian police of being compromised.
- He described the banking sector as insecure and poorly regulated.
- He condemned the judiciary as ineffective, dismissing it with a dismissive “mtchwww.”
His critique of the National Assembly was equally biting, singling out Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his colleagues as enablers of systemic oppression.
“They beat you and expect you not to cry,” the priest wrote. “The summary is simple — we don’t have a government.”
Satirical Yet Serious: “Pope Tinubu and the College of Cardinals”
In a particularly biting metaphor, Fr. Ugwu referred to President Tinubu as “Pope Tinubu,” flanked by a loyal “College of Cardinals” — a satirical reference to the president’s inner circle and the perceived cult-like allegiance of federal lawmakers.
This reference sparked viral reactions online, with Nigerians drawing parallels between autocratic leadership and the mock “papacy” of Nigerian politics.
Growing Calls for Accountability
Fr. Ugwu’s bold remarks echo growing frustration among citizens, particularly youths, who have become disillusioned with governance failures, high inflation, insecurity, and alleged abuse of power by the executive arm of government.
“As long as Pope Tinubu remains president, and as long as his ambition for 2027 is alive, what you are seeing now is just a child’s play,” he warned.
This call for impeachment, while unlikely to gain traction in the current legislature dominated by Tinubu loyalists, adds to the pressure mounting on the administration both domestically and internationally.
A Call for Strategic Civic Engagement
Despite his fiery tone, Fr. Ugwu urged Nigerians to avoid rash actions that do not address the root causes of the country’s crisis. Instead, he advocated for:
- Strategic civic action
- Nonviolent protests
- Demands for institutional reforms
- Holding elected officials accountable
He concluded by reiterating that the real enemy is not the banks or individual institutions but the systemic rot sustained by political elites.
What you should know
Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu’s remarks mark one of the boldest clerical condemnations of the Tinubu administration in recent months. While controversial, his comments have sparked important dialogue about civic responsibility, political accountability, and the future of democracy in Nigeria.
As citizens debate the implications of VDM’s arrest and the broader call for impeachment, one thing is clear: Nigeria is at a crossroads, and the voices of religious and civil society leaders are increasingly crucial in shaping the path forward.
By Favorite Grace and Omajemite Don, Reporting for TJ News Nigeria
