Criminals are Operating Freely, Catholic Bishop in Nigeria Says, Calls for Urgent Reforms

The pioneer Bishop of the Nigerian Diocese that Pope Francis erected in December 2022 told ACI Africa that Nigerian leaders must prioritize service and responsibility, values that seem absent from the country's political class. 

He questioned why a properly constituted government would neglect its duty to care for its people, noting that the situation has deteriorated to a “critical point.”

“The body language of our leaders does not show they are ready for leadership,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Bishop Maigida also expressed frustration with Nigerian leaders who he said travel abroad witnessing effective governance but fail to apply those lessons at home. 

He called for humility and seriousness from those in power, urging them to remember that they are the primary beneficiaries of Nigeria's democracy.

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According to the Bishop, greed and “a lust for power” among Nigeria’s political class have created a leadership vacuum, leading to severe economic hardship and escalating security challenges in the country.

“Our present political class has pushed it to the limits,” he said.

The Nigerian Catholic Bishop argued that the breakdown in societal values has worsened Nigeria's leadership crisis and called on parents, teachers, and religious leaders to instill a sense of responsibility in the younger generation. 

“Leadership at all levels must prioritize the care of others above selfish interests,” he said.

Bishop Maigida encouraged Nigerian youths to persevere amid the “grim realities”, urging them not to lose hope amid the challenges of poverty, hunger, and unemployment. 

 “The hope of the youth is in God,” the Bishop, said, and called on young people to embrace their faith and their talents, encouraging them to use their energy and creativity to build a better future. 

“God is a God of possibility, and He can make things work for the youth,” Bishop Maigida said.

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.