General News
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to address worsening insecurity, strengthen democratic institutions and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
The President of the CBCN, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the conference to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ndagoso, who recently assumed office as President of the conference, said the visit was part of the church’s commitment to sustaining constructive engagement with government in the collective task of building a just, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
He thanked Tinubu for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s readiness to partner with government in promoting national unity, justice and peace.
The bishops commended the Federal Government for the warm reception accorded Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, during his recent visit marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Holy See.
They, however, expressed concern over what they described as growing anxiety among many Christians regarding their place in the country following the emergence of a Muslim-Muslim presidency.
The conference urged the President to implement deliberate policies that would reassure Christians of equal citizenship and constitutional protection.
On education, the bishops commended the administration for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), describing it as a significant intervention to expand access to higher education.
They, however, warned that the recent moratorium by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the establishment of new private universities could undermine efforts to expand admission opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
The bishops also expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, saying many citizens feared the shrinking of the political space and the possible emergence of a one-party state.
They urged Tinubu to encourage elected officials of the ruling party to ensure fairness, respect for democratic processes and equal opportunities for all political actors.
According to the conference, the President’s enduring legacy should be the strengthening of democratic institutions, given his role in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic governance.
The bishops also called for credible elections in 2027, saying increasing public distrust in the electoral process was reflected in declining voter turnout.
They urged the President to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was adequately funded and supported to conduct transparent, free and credible elections.
The conference also called for easier access to Permanent Voter Cards for all eligible Nigerians.
On security, the bishops congratulated the Federal Government on the successful rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and the arrest of some suspects.
They described the development as evidence that determined government action could effectively combat insecurity.
However, they said the successes remained isolated, noting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continued to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.
According to the bishops, schools, places of worship, farms, homes and highways remain unsafe, while the country’s security challenges continue to undermine Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.
The conference also expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship, deteriorating infrastructure and persistent challenges in the power sector.
It said many Nigerians were yet to experience the promised benefits of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The bishops urged the President to complement assurances with concrete actions capable of improving citizens’ welfare and restoring public confidence.
They reiterated the church’s commitment to praying for Nigeria and called for stronger collaboration between government and religious institutions in addressing national challenges.
The conference also appealed to Tinubu to formally invite Pope Leo XIV to visit Nigeria, expressing confidence that such a visit would strengthen national unity and inspire hope among citizens.
The bishops further renewed their request for the return of mission schools to their original proprietors.
They also urged the Federal Government to ensure equal protection of religious freedom across the federation.
The conference specifically appealed for measures to address the challenges faced by Christians, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria, in acquiring land for churches and freely exercising their constitutional right to worship.
The bishops maintained that equal citizenship should be reflected not only in law but also in practice.
They concluded by praying for divine wisdom and strength for the President in leading the country towards peace, justice and national greatness.
F.O
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