The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)  has called on  Government at all level to rise to their responsibility  as too many Nigerians  are dying of preventable deaths 

In an address by Most Rev. Augustine O. Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City and President of the CBCN, at the occasion  of the second CBCN plenary in Enugu on sunday said the rate in which many Nigerians  are dying requires government quick and urgent  intervention 

Stating  that Nigerians  are bearing a high level of inflation, depreciation of the naira, increased  poverty, shortage of food because  of herders/farmers crisis, insecurity  to life and property , insensitivity and lack of federal government cries of many Nigerians in the areas of economic revolution, structural development , through eradication of corruption, avoidance  of selective sectional appointments to important  federal position

“Nigerian are bearing a high level of inflation, depreciation of the naira, increased  poverty, shortage of food because  of herders/farmers crisis, insecurity  to life and property , insensitivity and lack of federal government response to the cries of many Nigerians in the areas of economic revolution, structural development , through eradication of corruption, avoidance  of selective sectional appointments to important  federal positions 

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“The Federal Government has changed the service chiefs after many Nigerians have cried out loudly for change. The change is yet to produce the desired efec                                          

“The level of insecurity in part of the country is of great concern to us Bishops. Many of us Bishops have had to bury our faithful who died because of attacks of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, cultists, and those who have died because of road accidents caused by bad roads. Too many Nigerians are dying of preventable deaths, the Federal Government, State Government, and Local Government must rise to their responsibility. ” The church believes 

The CBCN seriously  disagreed with any form of electoral system that makes it possible for the votes of Nigerians not to be respected . 

“The world  is moving towards more digital system of administration and the electoral  reform must align itself with this change. Electoral transmission of results should be worked on so that rigging of elections at the various points of collection should become a thing of the past.

Furthermore, the electoral reform should allow a more transparent declaration of election results and expeditious judicial adjudication of electoral matters. Every one of us must work for a better Nigeria. We must develop a culture of taking personal responsibility for our actions. The electorate must learn to hold their political leaders accountable for their actions.  

On the call for independence, the Catholic Bishops  called on  everyone to be calm and exhaust extensive consultation. 

Stating  that the Federal Government as well as those leading the call for independence of some regions should be listened to. Everyone must avoid the temptation to demonize those who disagree with them. 

Stressing that the first step that should be taken is an open and unconditional dialogue with every group.

“Dialogue is always better than the taking up of arms. No one should call for the killing of military personnel, and no military personnel should intimidate any Nigeria because of their view. Freedom of speech and respect for diversities of opinions must be respected

The CBCN also noted with big concern about the  Church and Politicians, stating that the Church is keenly interested in the political situation in Nigeria. Although the Church does not support any politica party, she praises every government that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens. At the same time, the Church condemns vehemently any government policies that are not people-friendly.

 Having stated the above, we must make it clear once again, that no cleric is expected to use his position or ecclesiastical property for promoting what appears to be partisan politics.  

“Therefore, it is imperative that clerics must avoid every form of political endorsement using the ecclesiastical positions given to them. At the same time, it is not the practice of the Church to identify unelected leaders through some form of prophetic visions or dreams or revelation.  The role of clerics is to educate the people to choose leaders who will work for the good of humanity. We call on diocesan bishops to ensure that appropriate actions are taken immediately when any priest or religious violates this traditional Catholic belief. 

The Bishops equally commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his presence at the occasion, goodwill message and hospitality, saying: “We have been privileged to have enjoyed since we arrived the Coal City. Your developmental strides in Enugu State since you assumed office as the Governor of Enugu State are very impressive; please keep it up”.

Speaking at the CBCN openinng Mass  ceremony , Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was ably represented at the event  by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, extended his warm regards to the catholic  

Conveying Prof. Osinbajo’s message, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who also extended the reverential greetings of the government and good people of Enugu State to the Papal Nuncio, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, all the Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, disclosed: “Our Vice President, an esteemed and urbane Statesman, is widely acknowledged for his manifest practice of the Christian Faith and has requested that I convey his best wishes for a very memorable Second Plenary Meeting of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria”.

While appreciating the Bishops for choosing Enugu State for the spiritually auspicious event, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked “the Catholic Church and the entire members of the Body of Christ in the State and beyond for their unceasing prayers, wise counsel, support and solidarity all these years”.

He assured them that his administration will continue to serve the people of the state with the fear of God, expressing optimism that the religious event will herald blessings for the government and people of Enugu State.

Also in a goodwill message, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, who was represented by Most Rev. Buba Ali Lamido, asked “the Catholic Church to count on us as we fight the good fight” for the salvation of mankind, stressing that God will hear the message of the Church as a result of the Plenary Meeting

Earlier in an  address, the Chairman of the Opening Session of the Conference, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, narrated the various challenges being faced by the country and offered advice on what the Church can do to effectively engage in rebuilding Nigeria.        

Dignitaries at the event include Francis Cardinal Arinze; the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke; the host Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga; the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon.  Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu; Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Sir Victor Umeh and his wife, Prisca; Hon. Prince Cornelius Nnaji; and Hon. Dennis Amadi.

Others include former Minister of Aviation, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Secretary to the Enugu State Government and Director-General, South East Governors Forum, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, Prof. Malachy Okwueze and other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO); Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Office of the Vice President, Hon. Barr. Nkechi Chukwueke; the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu; former Federal Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Odengene Airshuttle Services, Chief Evarest Nnaji; and the Chaplain, Enugu State Government, Rev. Fr. Chinedu Ozoude, etc.