Sola POPOOLA
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has said that Nigeria is not in a hopeless situation ,stressing that there were signs that government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land.
The Clergies who were led by their President, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji in an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari said the main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander in Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe that a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about FOUR MONTHS left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.
1. We thank you sincerely that you have been able to grant us this audience to meet with you and interact with you on the state of our nation, as we see it from our position as Catholic Bishops of Nigeria. You know us very well as a religious group that has always had the good of our nation at heart. By our calling and even the rules and laws of our Church, we do not participate in partisan politics. But like good citizens, we cannot be unconcerned about the way our nation is managed by those whom God has allowed to be in charge of our nation. As Christian religious leaders, it is both our right and duty to contribute to the political life of our nation not only by praying for all our rulers but also by offering them good advice in the name of God. This is the role that has brought us to you on this visit.
2. Your Excellency, you may recall that very often in the past, we have had occasions to express the plight of our people in written and oral statements. At times, we have even undertaken powerful gestures, like marching through the main streets of Abuja in prayerful procession in black robes under the rain. Despite the frequent claims of government that it is “on top of the situation” as regards the state of our nation, the daily experience of the Nigerian masses has seen more decline than improvement. We sincerely hope that you have been receiving accurate information about the state of our nation. Thus, the purpose of seeking an audience with you today is not to bring you yet more bad news of the problems of our nation. We believe that you know them very well.
3. Rather, the main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander in Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe that a lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about FOUR MONTHS left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.
4. We have seen some signs that government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all regions, creeds and ethnic groups. Our Church personnel have been frequent victims in terms of kidnapping or outright murder. The Owo – Ondo State Catholic Church massacre on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th, 2022, is still very fresh in our hearts. In your capacity as our Commander-in-Chief, we urge you to make sure that our nation is effectively rid of these murderous criminals. We assure you of our prayers that the Almighty and Merciful God will bless you with what it takes to achieve this urgent objective.
5. Our nation’s economy has been put under serious stress by both internal and external negative forces, which has had serious adverse effect on the lives and livelihood of the average Nigerian. This has been further worsened by the consequences of the growing foreign debt burden, which is even mortgaging our future and that of generations after us. With better political and economic management, Nigerians have both the resourcefulness and spirit of hard work to turn things around. In particular, the many loopholes and leakages of endemic corruption still need to be sincerely and adequately addressed, if our economy is to recover.
6. We commend and congratulate you for the efforts government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill. Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair and credible elections. It is the hope of most Nigerians that the forthcoming 2023 elections will be a watershed in the political history of Nigeria. Let our hopes not be dashed.
7. We conclude this message with our best wishes and sincerest good will to you and to all those with whom you are sharing the burdens and dignity of your high office. We reiterate our deep confidence that with God’s grace and help, you will lead our nation to a much higher level, as you run through the last months of your presidency.
8. May the Almighty and Merciful God fill with his abundant blessings your good self, your entire family, your governing team and our dear nation, Nigeria. Amen.