Nigeria: Bishops urge Tinubu to tackle insecurity, corruption

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed dismay over the worsening socio-economic and political challenges in the country, calling on the government to take urgent action.

In a communiqué issued after their plenary meeting, the bishops decried persistent insecurity, loss of lives, and poor leadership as major causes of the nation’s afflictions.

Archbishop John Onaiyekan, a leading member of the CBCN, spoke on the issues, emphasizing that the bishops’ statement was not a political one, but a reflection of the people’s concerns.

“We are not afraid to voice out the truth in clear terms,” Onaiyekan said, highlighting the need for government to address insecurity, corruption, and polarisation.

Key points from the bishops’ communiqué:

– Insecurity: The bishops called for urgent action to address the security situation, citing senseless massacres and communities living in fear.

– Corruption: They emphasised that corruption thrives in Nigeria, with those responsible often going unpunished.

– Polarisation: The bishops urged the government to promote peaceful relationships among Nigerians, transcending religious and ethnic divisions.