Nigeria Can Still Rise from the Present Pains and Liabilities: Catholic Bishops

The Bishops add that the sudden and poor implementation of policies, which they noted were well-meaning, had resulted in a situation where so much hardship had been unleashed on the people.

In the statement that their chairman, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri Archdiocese signed, the Bishops in the Nigerian Metropolitan See pointed out the “ugly sight” of Nigerians toiling under excruciating economic conditions. The sight, they said, is not only frightening but also heartbreaking.

“In the face of these disheartening events, experiences, and challenges, we cannot throw up our hands and surrender to despair. In fact, we still see several lines of encouragement and hope to build upon,” the Bishops said.

Meanwhile, the Bishops in their statement have lauded Nigerians for their zeal in having fair, free, and credible elections in the 2023 polls and say that despite their zeal being smothered by “electoral thugs”, they should not give up on the country.

“It is imperative that we continue to sustain and strengthen this wave of patriotism going forward,” the Bishops say, and add, “We urge all Nigerians, in their various callings and positions, to uphold the banner of integrity and good action for a new Nigeria.”

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They continue, “As your spiritual leaders, we still call upon all the good-willed and patriotic citizens of Nigeria to continue to work for the common good of all Nigerians on that same note of equity, justice, and peace.”

“In that regard, we call upon every Nigerian to become an agent of peace and security in his or her environment, while cooperating with genuine community and official efforts to secure our people and our environment,” the Bishops say.

The Bishops urge Nigerians to rise above the “narrow confines” of their tribal and religious affiliations for the country to experience freedom, peace, unity, and God’s justice.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.