Insecurity, Hardship: Catholic Bishops proffer lasting solutions

By Neta Nwosu

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to take proactive measures to reduce the persistent security challenges, hunger and economic hardship currently ravaging the country.

The CBCN urged the government to promote social cohesion and good governance, create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and tackle food insecurity to ensure the security of farmers. In a statement issued at the end of the first plenary of 2024 held recently at the Catholic Secretariat of the Nigeria Resource Center, Durumi, Abuja, the prelates lamented the chronic insecurity and deterioration of livelihoods in Nigeria.

The statement signed by the President and Secretary of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Most Rev. Donatius Ogun OSA, Bishop of Uromi Diocese, said: “We express our strong solidarity with our suffering people in the serious deterioration of the situation of the nation, particularly in the areas of security and the economy. “Insecurity has reached an even higher scale than we have ever seen before in the country. Insurgents, armed herdsmen, bandits and so-called unknown gunmen continued to spread terror in different parts of the country. “Kidnapping for ransom has reached homes and areas where, in the past, it was considered impossible.

The result is that many have fled their homes, abandoning their farms, shops, businesses and other sources of income. The number of internally displaced people in our country continues to increase. “We are making another passionate appeal to the government to act immediately to stem the tide. The legitimacy of government depends on its ability to protect life and property. “The deterioration of our economy has continued to make life difficult and difficult for our people who have been subjected to a life of crushing poverty, persistent hunger and untold hardship. “The situation is aggravated by the high unemployment rate in the country, which has further impoverished and degraded our citizens. »

The prelates, while noting the federal government's efforts to address some of the key economic issues, noted that some of the government's recent policies “do not appear to have been properly thought through and, therefore, the results appear to fall short of expectations “. They cited cases: “For example, while the removal of fuel subsidies was supposed to help improve government revenue, which it did at all three levels of government, the impact on Nigerians was debilitating . “Similarly, we note that the decision to “float the Naira” has had unintended negative and severe consequences.

In light of this, we urge the government to urgently address the growing disaffection and unrest spreading among the population, in order to avoid a descent into chaos and anarchy. The Catholic bishops, after carefully examining the current social, economic, security and political situation in Nigeria, have proposed some solutions. The statement read in part: “In view of the government's efforts to end insecurity, we recommend that the ongoing discussions on the establishment of a state police force be carefully considered. Furthermore, the government should assess the impact of all other already existing security structures in this regard.

“Given the diminishing purchasing power of the Nigerian currency and the capacity of agriculture to be the foundation of our survival, we urge the government to create the necessary and enabling environment that would enable our people to return on his farms. “We welcome the government's decision to move certain items, such as electricity and railways, from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. We urge this to be extended to other sectors of the economy such as mining.

These measures, along with transparency and accountability in governance, are among the factors that promote social cohesion. They urged government at all levels to establish small-scale industries in rural areas to increase productivity and reduce unemployment, stressing that it would help if these industries were based on agriculture. Continuing, the bishops dissuaded the government from intimidating the media, stressing that it plays a vital role in nation-building. “They have the capacity to inform, enlighten and guide government and citizens on important issues of governance, citizenship and patriotism. They also act as guardians of good governance. “Rather than seeking to suppress or intimidate the media, we call on the government and other relevant authorities to help the media fulfill their role responsibly and optimally.

To this end, we recommend that the fundamental rights of media workers be respected. We also advocate for responsible use of mainstream and social media by all,” CBCN said. In light of the Synod on Synodality, they called on the Federal Government to encourage contributions from all segments and levels of the Nigerian community to governance. The statement read in part: “We call on the government to be open to input from all segments and levels of the Nigerian community, so that together we can address the emergency situation we currently find ourselves in. “It is no longer acceptable for our leaders to surround themselves only with their political supporters and friends. The general elections and the settlement of petitions are now complete.

It’s time to run government for the common good. “The nation must abandon all polarizations and come together in unity and cohesion. We have the natural and human resources to achieve this. But those currently in political power have a national duty to create an enabling environment for all capable Nigerians to participate in the task of national revival. Out-of-power politicians and all other Nigerians should now be ready to offer their positive contribution, beyond any political party affiliation and sensibility. The Catholic bishops have urged Nigerians to work for the betterment of the country and not lose hope despite the challenges plaguing the country. “Despite the challenges our country faces, we cannot lose hope.

All is not lost. We have everything it takes to save our nation. Our confidence is based on our trust in God and our ability as a nation, with the grace of God that almost all Nigerians believe in. Our prayers for Nigeria are not in vain and must continue. However, our trust in God must go hand in hand with our human efforts. The prelates charged religious leaders to preach piety and shun corruption in all its forms, while also enjoining the entire Nigerian elite to repent of their corrupt practices.

The CBCN said: “Religious leaders should promote sincere and genuine piety and righteousness in their religious communities, exemplifying honesty and hard work among their followers and condemning corruption in all its forms, in life private and public. “We also call on the entire Nigerian elite, including professionals, businessmen and financial operators, many of whom have long benefited from the corrupt system, to repent and change their attitude of greed and 'selfishness.

“Moreover, civil servants and public office holders, who have not led our public institutions with honesty and rectitude, must change their ways. As the government demands additional sacrifices from citizens, a drastic reduction in government operating costs at all levels is expected. “We urge everyone to sincerely change their minds. Nevertheless, we call on the government to pursue crimes and misdemeanors wherever they are found. We commend those who tried to do well against all odds and encourage them not to give up.