Catholic Bishops Raise Alarm Over Hardship, Insecurity, Threats To Democracy
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Catholic Bishops of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province have called for urgent reforms to address Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis, growing insecurity and perceived threats to democratic governance, warning that the country’s future depends on justice, accountability and credible leadership.”
The call was made in a statement signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri and Chairman of the Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, and the Bishop of Aba and Secretary, Most Rev. Augustine Echema and titled: Promoting Justice, Restoring Hope and Healing the Land in Times of Trial” issued at the end of their meeting held from August 4 to 5.
The bishops said the prevailing economic hardship had become unbearable for millions of Nigerians, citing soaring inflation, rising food prices, high transport fares, increased electricity tariffs and the declining purchasing power of the naira.
According to them, many families can no longer meet basic needs, while businesses are shutting down and unemployment continues to fuel hopelessness among young people.
“We view with deep pastoral concern the worsening economic hardship afflicting millions of Nigerians,” they said.
The bishops faulted what they described as excessive government spending and the extravagant lifestyles of some public office holders despite the sacrifices being demanded of citizens.
“Such dissonance erodes public trust and compounds the despair of the populace,” they stated.
Turning to the political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections, the bishops warned against actions capable of weakening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
They expressed concern over the growing wave of defections to the ruling party, alleged intimidation of opposition parties and unequal access to campaign platforms.
“The integrity of the upcoming elections is profoundly threatened by the systematic erosion of political competition through induced defections to the ruling party,” the statement said.
The bishops urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and transparent elections and called on the judiciary to remain independent and impartial in resolving electoral disputes.
They also appealed to Catholic priests not to allow churches to become venues for political campaigns or endorsements.
On security, the clerics lamented the continued menace of kidnapping, armed robbery, violent attacks and the impact of recurring sit-at-home orders, saying the situation had crippled businesses, schools, healthcare services and family life across many communities.
“The pervasive climate of fear, the recurring disruptions of sit-at-home orders that paralyse economic activities, and attacks on innocent citizens have inflicted immense economic and psychological damage,” they said.
The bishops also decried the increasing rate of irregular migration among Nigerian youths, warning that many were being exploited by human trafficking syndicates and forced into modern slavery.
“We unequivocally condemn modern day slavery and human trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation,” they declared.
They urged governments at all levels to create employment opportunities through vocational education, entrepreneurship support, digital skills development and access to affordable financing for young entrepreneurs.
The church leaders further advocated reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, backing calls for regional and local policing with appropriate legal safeguards to prevent abuse.
They also commended efforts to strengthen local government autonomy, insisting that democratic dividends must reach communities at the grassroots.
In addition, the bishops announced stricter measures against the proliferation of unauthorised religious institutes, directing that no religious group should operate within the province without obtaining the required Nihil Obstat from the Holy See.
They welcomed the establishment of Maria Assumpta University, Owerri, describing it as a major milestone in the Church’s commitment to quality education and youth development.
Reaffirming their faith in Nigeria’s future, the bishops urged Christians to remain hopeful and continue praying for peace, justice, good governance and national renewal.
“Despite the trials of the present hour, we remain firm in our conviction that God has not abandoned Nigeria,” they said. “Our hope rests not on human institutions alone, but on the unfailing mercy of God.”
