Save Nigerians from insecurity — Bishops tell FG

THE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, have expressed frustration at the continued killing of Nigerians, despite entreaties on the Federal Government to secure the lives of the people

The Bishops at a briefing by the Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja, however, noted the 2023 general elections would usher in a new era of growth and transformation in the country.

The Secretary-General of CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, who spoke on behalf of the Bishops, said in spite of several interventions and advice to those in power from them, both as a body (the CBCN) and as individuals, the country seemed to continue to plunge deeper into the abyss.

He said:  “Every day, we keep witnessing pervasive killings of innocent citizens in their homes, churches, mosques, streets, trains, roads, and events. Kidnappings, invasion of villages and towns, wanton looting and corruption, ransom taking, raping and territorial conquest are sadly the order of the day.

“We are saddened that Nigerians in their homeland are now at the mercy of non-state actors, who not only terrorise but also kill the citizens from the East to the West, the South and Northern regions.

“Unfortunately, the people are yet to find hope in the present administration’s ability or desire to tackle the many problems that have bedeviled our dear country.

“We wish to assure our people that despite the pervading gloom, the light of Christ can never be overcome. Like the people of God in the Scriptures, Nigerians should be assured that, though they live in darkness now, they will see a great light from God.’’

While noting that the 2023 general elections would usher in a new era of growth and transformation in the country, Samjumi called on all Nigerians, irrespective of creed or tribe, who are of voting age and have registered, to fully participate in the electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference organised argued that it was only with the power of the ballot the people could engender true progress in the country.

He said: “We join numerous well-meaning Nigerians in expressing hope that the 2023 elections will usher in a government that will improve the living conditions and security of the citizens

“This is a very opportune moment that must be properly used; better life awaits Nigerians if we do the right thing in this election.

“We urge Nigerians to desist from selling their votes; rather, they should vote in accordance with their conscience and good judgement, ensuring that only candidates that will improve their lives are voted into power. Youths should reject being used as thugs, assassins and electoral violators.”

Alleged manipulation of electoral register

The Catholic Bishops also observed allegations of manipulation of the electoral register in different parts of Nigeria, and implored the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to investigate these allegations diligently and ensure that anyone implicated was brought to account in a timely fashion.

Samjumi added:  “Moreover, we have also observed that rather than marketing a party’s agenda and a candidate’s manifesto through value-based campaigns and discipline of language, some political parties’ campaigns are often characterised by the use of intemperate language, the issuance of threats, character assassination and the spread of misinformation and outright falsehood about their opponents.

Watch your utterances

“We urge all Nigerians, especially politicians and their agents, to be civil, decent, and respectful in their utterances as they canvass for votes and debate the country’s future.

“The political parties and candidates should understand that elections are not a do-or-die affair and remember that no one is so good enough to lead another without his/her consent.

“The candidates should stick to their signed peace accord and call on their followers to shun violence and thuggery. Only a peaceful election can guarantee the peaceful Nigeria we desire to live in.

“Also of grave importance to the electoral process is the judiciary’s role. Sadly, we have many well-advertised cases of abuse of judicial power and office as judicial corruption has risen as politicians seek to importune judges with unprintable sums of money to overturn the will of the people in fair elections.”

Also speaking, the National Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr Mike Umoh, described 2023 as a special year for the nation, saying the forthcoming elections offer a sign of hope in the midst of the disaster. “The Catholic Church has shown a lot of concern about the plight and sufferings of the common man in the country.

“Every now and then, the Catholic Bishops, in fulfilment of their prophetic roles, draw the attention of those in power to the numerous problems in the country and serve as a moral compass to the entire nation. How we wish the society listens to our Bishops,’’ he said.

Culled from Vanguard