The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that they have caused more harm than good to Nigerians.
The President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, made this call on Sunday at the opening session of the 2024 Second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN in Auchi, Edo State.
Ugorji stated that the socio-economic problems of the nation were beyond what economic reforms alone can effectively resolve. He advocated for the return to a regional system of government to checkmate corruption and put the nation on the right footing.
“When all is said and done, we must admit that the cost of running our military imposed presidential system of government with so many elected officials assisted by numerous support staff is staggering and unsustainable,” Ugorji said.
He listed the numerous problems bedeviling the nation, including increased debt burden, multiple taxation, hunger, and hardship induced by insecurity. Ugorji posited that proactive steps must be taken urgently to address the situation before it snowballs into a huge crisis.
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Earlier in his homily, Most Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese, called on those in authority not to lord it over those whom they have been called to serve. Dunia noted that the led must know that they were duty-bound to respect those in authorities because God had placed them there to lead.
“He hears but that Nigerians have to pray more,” Dunia said, disagreeing with the insinuation that God has stopped hearing the prayers of His people.
