Catholic Bishops Say Nigeria In Horrible State

By Ayodele Oni

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has decried unending massacres, inflation and industrial action by University lecturers across the country.

The bishops noted that Nigeria is now in “horrible state of affairs.”

CBCN President, Most Revd Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, made the assertion in his 2022 Easter message to the nation, released through the National Directorate of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

In the message, the Clerics stated that “The ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is thwarting the academic ambitions of many Nigerian students.

“In some parts of the country, workers are owed arrears of salaries, while retired senior citizens eke out an existence without regular pensions.

“Many young people are deeply wounded and degraded by unemployment and poverty, a poverty that breeds crimes and seeks relief in hard drugs.

“The appalling economic condition is worsened by the present scarcity of fuel, which is as puzzling as it is frustrating.

“This horrible state of affairs is driving many compatriots to a feeling of cynicism as they gaze at a gloomy future that seems to promise them little or nothing.”

The CBCN also advised that the 2023 general elections should not be regarded as a do-or-die affair; calling on politicians to ensure that there is no bloodshed during the polls.