What Buhari Must Do Before May 29 – Catholic Bishops

By Ayodele Oni

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), has charged President Mohammadu Buhari to rid the country of criminals before handing over to his successor in May.

The Bishops also appealed to Buhari to bring an end to the issue of insecurity plaguing the country.

The Bishops made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the President on Wednesday, at the Aso Villa, Abuja.

According to them, as Christian religious leaders, it is both their right and duty to contribute to the political life of the nation not only by praying for all rulers, but also by offering them good advice in the name of God.

The  President, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji pointed out that the president can still do a lot to turn things around before May 2023 when his tenure in office will be over.

“A lot can be done to turn things around for the better in the about four months left of your presidency before you step down in May 2023.

“We cannot be unconcerned about the way our nation is managed by those whom God has allowed to be in charge of our nation.

“We have seen some signs that government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all regions, creeds and ethnic groups.

“Our Church personnel have been frequent victims in terms of kidnapping or outright murder.

“The Owo – Ondo State Catholic Church massacre on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th, 2022, is still very fresh in our hearts.

“In your capacity as our Commander-in-Chief, we urge you to make sure that our nation is effectively rid of these murderous criminals.

“We assure you of our prayers that the Almighty and Merciful God will bless you with what it takes to achieve this urgent objective.”

The group which commended the President for the efforts put into ensuring real improvement in the electoral system and processes of the country, however expressed concern on the Nation’s economy.

The Bishops charged the President to ensure the 2023 polls are free, fair and credible so as to bring to power the President who can move Nigeria forward.

“Our nation’s economy has been put under serious stress by both internal and external negative forces, which has had serious adverse effect on the lives and livelihood of the average Nigerian.

“This has been further worsened by the consequences of the growing foreign debt burden, which is even mortgaging our future and that of generations after us.

“With better political and economic management, Nigerians have both the resourcefulness and spirit of hard work to turn things around.

“In particular, the many loopholes and leakages of endemic corruption still need to be sincerely and adequately addressed, if our economy is to recover.

“We commend and congratulate you for the efforts government has put into ensuring real improvement in our electoral system and processes, especially your signing into law the electoral bill.

“Please do not relent in making sure that INEC and other relevant agencies of government carry out their serious duties to conduct peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

“It is the hope of most Nigerians that the forthcoming 2023 elections will be a watershed in the political history of Nigeria. Let our hopes not be dashed.”