“The cries of the poor are getting louder”: Archbishop in Nigeria Calls on Leaders to Prioritize Needs of the Vulnerable

For him, “Those in authority should consider how they can respond to these effectively and promptly, because the cries of the poor are getting louder and sometimes translating into violent or criminal behaviours and reactions.”

He called upon those who control political and economic power to stand in solidarity with the poor, advocating for the marginalized, and promoting justice and peace.

Leaders in Nigeria, he said, “must make political decisions that favor the good of all and not just their personal interests; and combat corruption by living lives of integrity and honesty.”

“They, and indeed, all of us, must learn to place our trust in God rather than in dishonest gains,” Archbishop Kaigama said, reflecting on the readings of the sixth Sunday in Ordinary.

“We must all be truly committed to ethical behavior in our personal and professional lives and have the courage to speak out against economic wastefulness and selfish legislation. This is not always easy, but it is the path that assures us happiness, fulfillment, and progress,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese since his installation in November 2019 condemned the act of egocentrism and called on his wealthy compatriots to help the needy.

“Those who trust only riches, pleasure, and human strength will one day realize how empty these things are. True happiness is found in relying on God, even when life is difficult,” he said, and posed, “Who do you put your trust in?”

He added, “Remember too, that the rich are also blessed if only they acknowledge their poverty and dependence on God.”

The Nigerian Catholic Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Jalingo urged the people of God to live with “heaven in mind” just like Lazarus, who trusted in God even when he was being oppressed by a rich man.

He cited Psalms 49:6-13, which condemns selfish riches, saying, “People with wealth, but no understanding, no compassion, no milk of human kindness, are like dumb beasts that perish.”