Nigeria’s Catholic Secretariat Raises Fresh Concerns Over Insecurity, Corruption

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has raised fresh concerns over the security challenges in the country with a call on the Federal Government to take action against it in national interest.

“While we are not allowed to go into the field to provide the necessary military power to secure the nation, we appeal to the consciences of government officials when we meet with them.

“We appeal to the government to fulfill its primary duties of securing lives and properties,” the Secretary-General of the CSN, Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, represented by his Deputy, Fr. Michael Banjo, said during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

Apart from insecurity, the CSN articulated concerns about corruption, and the critical role of family in societal values.

Banjo also highlighted the intrinsic link between the health of family units and the state of the nation.

He said, “Whatever is happening in society is a reflection of the situation in families, as families are the building blocks of society,” he remarked, underscoring the church’s limited capacity to directly influence each family’s role in raising children away from criminal activities.”

Addressing issues within the Church itself, Fr. Banjo acknowledged the challenges posed by ‘irregular communions’ and emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to bridge divisions and promote inclusivity.

He asserted the importance of the synodality process for the country, advocating for a sincere dialogue that respects the dignity of every Nigerian and promotes national unity despite cultural differences.

The Director of Social Communications at the CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, described the current societal challenges in Nigeria as overwhelming and stressed the crucial role of media as allies in navigating these tumultuous times.

He condemned the killing of children in schools and defined the current insecurity situation as a battle between good and evil, stressing the urgency of ensuring safety for children in educational institutions.

Umoh also called for unity in combating evil, stating, “It is not a time for politics or religion or tribe, the issue at the moment is between good and evil.”

Speaking on corruption, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria,
Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, criticized the lack of accountability for corrupt individuals, questioning the absence of legal consequences for those implicated in crimes.

“It is essential to uphold justice. Only by holding wrongdoers accountable can we address the issue of corruption”, he said
and expressed frustration over the EFCC chairman’s revelation of a religious sect sponsoring insurgency without disclosing names, challenging the nation to confront and directly address such criminal activities.

He said, “The issue of what was said about the religious body involved is part of the whole problem. If you (EFCC) know of a religious body involved in sponsoring terrorism but are not ready to mention their name, why mention it at all? Why are we protecting criminals if we are sure they are guilty? Let us address the issues confronting us and deal with them directly.

“Sometimes people are not prosecuted, and then we discover that someone made a phone call. Let us address corruption as it arises.”

The Director of the Church and Society Department at the CSN, Revd. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, said that the church’s involvement in education support could help address some underlying causes of insecurity in the long run by empowering communities, particularly the youth.

Friday Olokor, Abuja

Follow us on: