“Things are not going well”: Cardinal on Economic, Security Challenges in Nigeria

Abuja, 10 January, 2025 / 9:50 PM

Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and escalating security challenges, conditions that John Cardinal Onaiyekan has described as “dire and unacceptable”.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of his 42nd Episcopal Ordination Anniversary on January 6, Cardinal Onaiyekan urged Nigerians to believe in the possibility of a brighter future while calling for collective action to address the crises that the country is facing.

“We are going through a very bad time in this country right now. It is very sad to look back and say it was better before. We ought to look forward and say it's getting better. But the truth is, things are not going well,” the Nigerian Cardinal told ACI Africa.

Highlighting Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, Cardinal Onaiyekan faulted what he described as a pervasive threat of terrorism and crime. 

“You cannot have terrorists and criminals taking over the territory while calling yourself a free nation,” he lamented. 

Comparing Nigeria with other countries, he observed, “In Europe or America, a single act of terrorism is met with swift action. But here, we have become accustomed to living in fear, unable to walk freely in our own land.”

Cardinal Onaiyekan decried the normalization of insecurity in the West African country and pointed to the reliance on heavy security escorts by political leaders as a symptom of deeper systemic failure.

“When even the big men cannot move freely without convoys of police and soldiers, it shows we are in trouble. If the nation is not safe, those responsible for security must accept responsibility,” he said.

The Cardinal who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 1983 as Auxiliary Bishop of Nigeria’s Ilorin Diocese  also condemned rampant corruption in the country, describing the vice as “madness.” 

He cited cases of mismanagement of public funds, accusing leaders of hoarding the nation’s wealth for personal gain. 

“The scale of corruption is beyond reason. We are told to take bitter pills and be patient, but for most Nigerians, patience is running out,” he said.

The Nigerian Cardinal expressed dismay at the state of Nigerian politics, denouncing political parties as ineffective and elections as mere formalities.

“We have political parties that are worse than useless structures,” he remarked. “Candidates are imposed on the people without transparency,” the Catholic Church leader said.

On the role of religion, he lamented its manipulation by political forces and urged faith leaders to reclaim religion as a force for peace and justice. 

“Religion should guide us to live together as proper neighbors, brothers, and sisters,” Cardinal Onaiyekan said.

Cardinal Onaiyekan remained hopeful despite what he described as a grim outlook, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential. 

“This country can rise. God has given us everything we need to succeed. We have brilliant people who excel abroad but are underutilized here,” he said.

Cardinal Onaiyekan called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to foster grassroots change and hold leaders accountable. 

“The situation is not irredeemable. It will change when all of us begin to say no,” the Archbishop emeritus of Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja said.