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The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on Sunday described as worrisome the state of the nation, noting that Nigeria is presently “sitting on a ticking time bomb” under President Bola Tinubu.
The Catholic body of Bishops also said that as long as the issues of poverty, hardship and corruption continue to be the lots of Nigerians, the nation should be ready to contend with more protests.
They also expressed grave concern about the nation’s growing debt burden adding that “servicing huge debts to international monetary agencies and sourcing for funds internally to balance budget deficit led to the economic reforms of Mr President, consisting mainly in the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the floating of naira.
President of the Catholic body, who is the Archbishop of Owerri, and the President of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, stated this in his welcome address at the opening Session of the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN taking place in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
While declaring the Conference open, Ugorji said the future of the nation depends on how the challenges bedevilling the nation are tackled, expressing optimism that trust in God would transform the country.
On the state of the nation, he said, “On August 4th, President Bola Tinubu enumerated the achievements of his administration. While we recognise that notable progress has been made in some sectors of our national life, we cannot fail to admit that the present state of the nation is worrisome. Even though insecurity remains one of our major challenges.
“The protest was aimed at publicly voicing their disappointment and frustration on the ills bedevilling the nation. Although Nigeria has the constitutional right to express its grievances through peaceful protests, there was widespread concern it could be hijacked by miscreants.
“Likewise, we condemn in strong terms the killing of some protesting youths by security operatives. We pray for the repose of the dead, the speedy recovery of the injured and the consolation of the bereaved.
“We wish to stress that as long as the nation is afflicted with poverty, hardship and corruption, and as long as the future of youths in our nation remains bleak, we continue to experience protest. Rather than address the ill, trying to drown the nation, some government officials are busy passing the buck and looking for a scapegoat.
“We are indeed sitting on a ticking time bomb as security operatives try to crack down on some of those involved in the protest and their sponsors on trumped-up charges.
“This raises concerns about whether they are trying to strip citizens of their democratic rights and freedoms to protest or give the impression that everything in the country is fine and there was really no need for the protest. This is delusional and condemnable.”