Nigeria Experiencing Worst Moments under Tinubu, Catholic Bishops Say

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Sunday assessed the country and gave a damning verdict that the country is experiencing the worst times, especially in the areas of security and the economy during the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The organization also pummeled the government saying its reform agenda worsened the plight of Nigerians, with the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, leading to a sharp increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the Naira.

The President of CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, gave the verdict during the opening session of the 2024 First Plenary Assembly which held in Abuja,
with the theme, “Synod on Synodality”,
describing the state of affairs in the nation as unbearable.

According to him, as the government demands additional sacrifice from the struggling masses, there should be a drastic cut in the cost of governance at all levels, adding that on the contrary, top government officials live by the sweat, toil and tears of the poor as they continue spending huge public funds on ostentatious and luxurious lifestyles and seem incapable of feeling compassion for the poor.

Archbishop Ugorji said, “If we cast a cursory glance at the present state of our nation, we are inclined to conclude that this seems to be the worst of times for our country in the areas of security and the economy. Despite the huge sums of money appropriated monthly as security votes, our communities have continued to experience persistent insecurity.

“Recently, there has been an upsurge in kidnapping for ransom and increasing incidents of senseless bloodshed across the nation. Unarmed citizens are brutally slaughtered on our highways, in their homes and even in the sacred precincts of places of worship. Killer herdsmen, bandits and unknown gunmen seem to be on rampage. Many communities across the nation have been taken over completely by criminals. Families have lost their ancestral lands to armed invaders and land-grabbers. The social and economic lives of communities have been paralysed due to insecurity.

“Schools have been shut down, and children can no longer continue their education. Farmers are unable to access their farms out of fear of either losing their lives or being kidnapped. Businesses have closed down. Many displaced families have no sources of livelihood and are daily afflicted by hunger and starvation.

“The reform agenda of the present government has added to the plight of Nigerians. With the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market, there has been a sharp increase in the pump price of petroleum products and a steep decline in the value of the Naira. Indeed, there is a free fall of the national currency. High spiralling inflation has made it difficult for the average Nigerian to access basic commodities, including food items and medication.

“As a result of the government’s reform agenda, millions of Nigerians have been reduced to a life of grinding poverty, wanton suffering, and untold hardship as never before in our national history. In a bid to survive, an increasing number of the poor have resorted to begging. With more than 80 million Nigerians living under the poverty line of less than two dollars a day, our country, according to the recent disclosure of the World Bank, is the world’s second-largest poor population after India.

“While many impoverished Nigerians continue to suffer and die as a result of the hardship caused by the government’s economic reforms, the president has continued to urge the populace to make even more and more sacrifices with the assurance that brighter days lay ahead.

“As the government demands additional sacrifice from the struggling masses, one would expect to see a drastic cut in the cost of running the government at all levels. On the contrary, it is worrisome to watch top government functionaries living by the sweat, toil and tears of the poor. They continue spending huge public funds on ostentatious and luxurious lifestyles and seem incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor.”

While raising concern that corruption among many public servants has gone beyond scale and measure, the cleric said graft is a complex reality involving moral rottenness, defilement and loss of integrity.

He said, “In Nigeria, it spans a wide spectrum, ranging from book- cooking, foreign exchange (FX) arbitrage, over-pricing, and over- invoicing to embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, and all sorts of manipulation. Every day, outrageous and spine-chilling stories are told in the media about different public servants who have stolen staggering amounts of money from public coffers in a country where millions of citizens live in deep and debilitating poverty.

“We cannot easily overlook the sordid roles of many fraudulent politicians and Bank Executives in fleecing the whole nation and destroying our national economy through the dirty game of corruption, causing untold hardship and untimely deaths across the nation.”

The Catholic Bishops also touched on the controversial Vatican document “Fiducia Supplicans”, which prohibits blessings for same-sex unions and also encourages pastoral care for those in ‘irregular situations.’

The CBCN called for sincerity, accountability, and a collective effort to steer Nigeria away from its current trajectory towards a more secure and prosperous future.

CAN backs Catholic Bishops

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended Ugorji for his unwavering commitment to addressing issues such as bad governance, insecurity, injustice, and economic hardships.

He said, “Your consistency in providing insight and guidance on issues that border on bad governance, insecurity (including food insecurity), injustice and extreme economic conditions is an inspiration to us all.”

Okoh made reference to the unique theme of the plenary and expressed support for the efforts of the Catholic Church in fostering inclusivity and dialogue.

“Such conversations may bring challenges, but they are essential for unity and impactful evangelism,” he added, affirming his prayers for the Holy Spirit’s guidance during the plenary.

The CAN President also acknowledged the daunting challenges faced by churches in Nigeria, from constant attacks on clergy to the struggle for the right to worship places.

He said, “As members of the Nigerian Christian community, we acknowledge the multifaceted challenges faced by our Churches on a daily basis: From a deliberate attempt to edge out Christianity in certain parts of the country through denial of Right of Occupancy for churches that want to erect their worship places to targeted serial attacks, arson and kidnapping of clergymen for ransom that has now become a daily occurrence. The high level of insecurity, runaway inflation and hunger are areas of serious concern as well. I am confident that these issues will be discussed with sincerity and humility.”

FG has done well despite economic challenges, says SGF Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, while addressing the assembly, expressed gratitude for the participation and acknowledgement of the role of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.

Despite inherited socio-economic challenges, Akume outlined the achievements of Tinubu’s administration in various sectors, including agriculture, food security, health, national security, and economic reforms.

He said, “Let me at this point, place on record that despite the humongous inherited and emerging socio-economic challenges, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in less than nine months on the saddle recorded positive accomplishments in diverse sector.”

Akume emphasized the government’s commitment to reversing the current hardships through strategic policies and investments aimed at transforming the economy and ensuring inclusive growth.

As the nation observes Lent, a time of reflection and penitence, Akume called for faith and perseverance.

“We must remain steadfast in our resolve,” he urged, highlighting the government’s determination to tackle security issues, economic challenges, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

He also praised the CBCN for their spiritual guidance and dialogue, stressing that the government deeply values the church’s counsel and support.

Kaigama emphasizes resource management

Earlier, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, in his homily, underscored the importance of using Nigeria’s abundant talents and natural resources to elevate the nation.

He lamented the current state of affairs where potential is stifled by poor governance and corruption.

“We must rise to the challenge and harness our god-given talents for the betterment of our society”, Kaigama said.

Friday Olokor, Abuja

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