Currency Swap  : Flawed Implementation Compounds Nigeria’s Woes -Bishops  lament 

Sola  POPOOLA

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria,(CBCN) has lamented that the  flawed implementation of the cash swap policy, which resulted in a cash crunch, has added to the ordeal, hunger, anger and Frustrations of the  people

Faulting  the implementation of the controversial currency Swap policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ,the  clergies  called on the Federal Government and other  relevant agencies to immediately increase the circulation of new naira notes

Rising from  the first plenary meeting of the CBCN held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi Abuja the bishops equally advocated the implementation of adequate monetary and other relevant policies that would cushion the effects of  current hardship.

In the communique entitled: “Citizens Participation In Good  Governance In Nigeria”,,the Bishops  used the occasion to  called on Nigerians to choose leaders capable of governing the nation for the common good.

Signed by the President, CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, OSA, and made available to journalists by Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese,they lamented  that the economy has continue to make life difficult and hard for the people, as the value of the naira continues to decline, the high cost of goods and services, including food items, continues to soar.

The Bishops called on government to continue to stand up to their primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

“We enjoin all to strengthen security measures in their homes and institution.  We call on all Nigerians to be law-abiding and vigilant and to shun all forms of violence and criminality”.

According to them said the 2023 general elections provides us with yet another opportunity in our national history, “this is now the time to reject evil, greater or lesser, and wisely choose good and capable candidates at all levels”.“Our votes are precious; we must use them well, encouraging all eligible citizens to come out en masse to vote for God-fearing, honest, vibrant and transparent  leaders for a better Nigeria.

“We urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and its officials to ensure that their conduct in the  entire electoral process are transparent, honest and beyond reproach.

“We continue to enjoin the commission to make sure that the newly adopted technologies for accreditation, transmission and collation are transparently and sincerely deployed and not manipulated to give false results”

The communiqué called said  the media have a crucial role to play in entrenching good and democratic governance, by providing the necessary information that empowers the citizens not only to engage the political  class in debates on the issues that affect their lives, but also, to exercise their democratic choices and informed decisions about public issues.