The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed strong concerns over the economic hardship and widespread hunger facing the nation, warning that Nigerians, particularly the youth, will continue to protest until President Bola Tinubu addresses these critical issues.
The CBCN cautioned that Nigeria is akin to a powder keg, ready to explode if the political leadership fails to comprehensively tackle the prevailing economic distress. The Bishops lamented the use of security forces against peaceful demonstrators during the recent #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests.
Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, delivered this message on Sunday during his opening address at the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN, held in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.
In his remarks, Bishop Ugorji condemned the actions of security agencies that resulted in the deaths of protesting youths, emphasizing the Church’s strong opposition to such violence.
“On August 4th, President Bola Tinubu outlined the achievements of his administration. While we acknowledge that progress has been made in some sectors, it is undeniable that the current state of our nation is alarming, with insecurity remaining a significant concern,” Ugorji stated.
He continued, “As the national economy deteriorates, Nigerian youths took to the streets in a nationwide protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, from August 1st to 10th, 2024. This protest was an expression of their deep frustration and disappointment with the nation’s challenges. Despite the constitutional right to peaceful protest, there was widespread fear that the demonstrations could be hijacked by unruly elements.”
Bishop Ugorji also expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of some protesters at the hands of security operatives. “We strongly condemn the killing of protesting youths by security forces. We pray for the souls of the departed, the swift recovery of the injured, and comfort for the grieving families,” he said.
The Bishops further criticized the federal government for failing to address the grievances raised by the protesters and instead attempting to curtail citizens’ democratic rights.
“As long as our nation is plagued by poverty, hardship, and corruption, and as long as the future remains uncertain for our youth, protests will persist. Rather than addressing these critical issues, some government officials are more focused on shifting blame and scapegoating,” Ugorji remarked.
He warned that Nigeria is sitting on a “ticking time bomb” as security forces continue to crack down on protesters and their alleged sponsors under dubious pretexts. “This raises serious concerns about whether the government is attempting to strip citizens of their democratic rights to protest, or if they are trying to create the illusion that all is well in the country, rendering the protests unnecessary. Such actions are both delusional and condemnable,” Ugorji concluded.
