Renowned security expert and public affairs analyst, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has called for a clear constitutional distinction between religious institutions and government following the recent exchange between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Mumuni said while religious bodies have a legitimate responsibility to provide moral guidance and contribute to national conversations, the constitutional responsibility for governance rests solely with elected public officials.

He made the call in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, amid public debate over the July meeting between President Tinubu and Catholic bishops at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The discussion drew nationwide attention after the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, disclosed that President Tinubu disagreed with concerns raised by the bishops over the nation’s economy, insecurity and political climate.

During the meeting, the bishops reportedly expressed concern over the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity and the country’s political direction, urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address the challenges confronting Nigerians.

President Tinubu, however, maintained that his administration was making steady progress in tackling the nation’s challenges, a position that has since generated widespread public debate.

Reacting to the development, Mumuni described contributions by religious leaders to national discourse as both legitimate and necessary in a democratic society, provided such interventions are intended to advance the public good rather than deepen divisions.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic and security challenges are real and well documented, requiring sustained commitment and coordinated efforts by government, civil society organisations and citizens.

“Religious leaders have every right to express concern over issues affecting their communities and the wellbeing of Nigerians. Such interventions should be regarded as valuable contributions to national development rather than acts of hostility,” he said.

Mumuni, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, however, stressed the need to preserve the constitutional boundaries between religious institutions and the state, noting that both have distinct but complementary roles in society.

He explained that while faith-based organisations are expected to provide moral leadership, advocate justice and speak on social issues, governments derive their authority from the electorate and therefore bear responsibility for governance, public administration and policy implementation.

According to him, respecting these institutional boundaries would strengthen democratic governance and enable both religious institutions and government to function more effectively in the public interest.

Mumuni also urged political leaders, religious organisations and citizens to approach national conversations with mutual respect, openness and a willingness to engage differing opinions without assuming bad faith.

He said productive national dialogue requires respect for divergent views, fact-based discussions, and a shared commitment to addressing substantive national issues rather than focusing on personalities.

While acknowledging that many of Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges were inherited from previous administrations, Mumuni said Nigerians were equally justified in expecting the Tinubu administration to continue implementing practical policies that would improve security, stabilise the economy and enhance citizens’ welfare.

He maintained that disagreements over public policy are inevitable in every democracy but should always be managed in ways that strengthen national unity and democratic institutions rather than deepen divisions.

Mumuni called on political leaders, religious institutions and the wider public to preserve the dignity of national discourse, insisting that constructive engagement, mutual respect and commitment to the national interest remain essential to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and consolidating its democracy.