Anambra Central LP Campaign Council Condemns Alleged Forged Letter Targeting Cardinal Onaiyekan
By Chizoba Njaka
The Sagacious Campaign Council for Senate, Anambra Central, has condemned what it described as a forged letter purportedly issued by the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON) against John Onaiyekan, calling for an investigation into those responsible.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Communication for the Labour Party Senatorial Candidate, Anambra Central Senatorial District, Comrade Mrs. Uche Kalu, the council expressed concern over what it described as attacks on the Catholic Church following the recent visit of Catholic bishops.
The council alleged that the letter circulating in the public domain, purportedly written by Catholic youths, was fraudulent and intended to discredit Cardinal Onaiyekan. According to the statement, the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria could not have referred to the cleric in the manner contained in the letter.
It further argued that the alleged forgery contained inconsistencies, claiming that the use of the word "Association" instead of "Organisation" contradicted the official name of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), which it said cast doubt on the document's authenticity.
The campaign council also alleged that the incident reflected intolerance toward dissenting opinions, maintaining that religious leaders have a responsibility to speak on issues affecting the nation and should not be intimidated for expressing their views.
While expressing solidarity with Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria and other faith leaders, the council urged the Presidency to apologise to the Catholic Church if the allegations were substantiated, investigate those behind the alleged forgery, and foster respectful engagement with religious institutions.
The statement pointed out that constructive dialogue, rather than attempts to suppress opposing voices, remains essential to national unity and democratic governance.