Tag: Catholic Bishops

Catholic bishops laud Gov. Eno as Akwa Ibom hosts historic National conference

Akwa Ibom State has once again demonstrated its reputation as a beacon of peace and tranquility, with the hosting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) from 11th to 19th September, 2025.

The choice of Akwa Ibom for the gathering of esteemed Catholic prelates from across the country is another testament to the state’s serene atmosphere and Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to fostering unity.

Without doubt, the state’s peaceful environment has remain a magnet for investors, tourists, and conferences, cementing its position as Nigeria’s hub for development.

With Governor Eno expected to attend the opening mass on Sunday September 14, 2025 as the Special Guest of Honour, other eminent leaders expected grace the opening ceremonies include: Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev Michael Francis Crotty, President CBCN and Most Rev Lucius Ugorji.

Others are; President of the 10th Nigerian Senate, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry, President, Christian Association of Nigeria, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Prelate of Methodist Church, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba, amongst others.

Meanwhile, since arriving the retreat center, venue for the conference which is located at Nto Ekpu Ikot in Obot Akara local government area, the Catholic Bishops have continued to express profound gratitude to Governor Eno for his visionary leadership, which has created an enabling environment for the conference.

In their interactions, they commended Governor Eno’s intentional efforts in promoting peace, unity, and social welfare, noting that Akwa Ibom’s stability and rural road network, is a model for other states.

Speaking with journalists, Rev Fr Cyril Okoro, Rector of the formation and retreat Center hosting the conference, was full of praises to Governor Eno for his support ahead of the conference.

“Earlier this year, there was no access road to this center. I mean the road was absolutely deplorable. But on the first Sunday of this year, providence brought Governor Eno to worship with us at St Anne Cathedral in Ifuho, where he promised to fix the road before the conference.

“Today, you came through the road, you can see it has been well asphalted from Nto Ekpu Ikot, through Nko with just a few kilometers left to linking it to Mbiabong Ikot Udofia. I have also seen materials on ground for the bridge. Beyond road, the Governor has supported us financially and we sincerely appreciate him for being a promise keeper”.

Ahead of the conference, the member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh in one of his visits to the center, was physically elated, following Governor Eno’s transformation of the road.

Umoh who had earlier donated street lights to the center, was also full of praises to the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio for facilitating the construction of all internal roads within the center. He however assured the bishop of a beautiful stay throughout the conference.

Suffices to say that the successful hosting of the CBCN plenary in Akwa Ibom serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through effective governance and community engagement. Governor Eno’s leadership has not only brought peace to the state but has also created opportunities for growth and development.

The people of Akwa Ibom, particularly the Catholic community have reasons to rejoice, knowing that their state has been chosen to host such a significant event. This gathering is a testament to the state’s growing influence and its position as a leader in promoting peace and development

September 14, 2025
‘I married an RCCG pastor, can’t be bigot’ — Tinubu to Catholic bishops

President Bola Tinubu has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that he has no religious bias towards Christians, adding that his wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

The president while addressing the Catholic bishops on Friday in Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and development.

According to the president, povery affects all regardless their religious affiliations, noting that administration’s economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy were necessary to build a resilient nation and secure the future of the younger generations.

The president’s statement comes hours after he condemned the clerics over concerns they raised regarding worsening insecurity and youth employment, among others, in the country.

He stressed that security agencies were actively curtailing insecurity. He noted that poverty transcends religious lines and called for unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

“This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen.

“We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door,” said the president.

Tinubu added that he understands what Nigerians are going through, saying “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country.

“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”

He, however, noted that “There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that. What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”

Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and the CBCN President, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, said they were at the State House to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory, having not had the opportunity last year, and to commend him for his efforts to reposition the country and share some concerns.

“Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the year of hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference. We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you.”

He said the removal of fuel subsidies had undoubtedly affected the people and commended the tax reform initiative, which he believed would “generate, in the long run, more resources for advancing the common good.”

He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to curtail insecurity in the land. Still, he urged for more concerted efforts to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.”

Speaking on the recent closure of schools in the North by governors due to the ongoing Ramadan fast, the bishops called for a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity without necessarily impinging on individuals’ fundamental rights.

According to them, “efforts should be made to ensure that religious practice in Nigeria fosters unity rather than division.”

On religious pilgrimages, the body said that the government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption.

“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages. In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs,” the CBCN president said.

The CBCN’s earlier communique, “The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” had called on northern governors to withdraw orders closing schools during the Ramadan period.

Part of the communique reads, “We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”

March 15, 2025
2023 elections: Catholic Bishops warn against violence

The Catholic Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos have warned against electoral violence in the forthcoming general election.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Catholic Bishops also lamented the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying Christians in the country are facing one of their most challenging times since the attainment of independence in 1960.

This is contained in a communique issued by the Catholic Bishops at the end of their first plenary meeting for the year 2023 held on Monday, 23rd January 2023, st St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.

They commended the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), under the Department of Church and Society of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) for all its efforts in sensitizing Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming national elections, and also for its effort in securing registration and accreditation for 6000 members of the Catholic Church to serve as Election Observers nationwide.

According to the communique signed by Most Rev. Francis Adesina, DD, Bishop of Ijebu-Ode,
Secretary and Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, DD, Archbishop of Lagos, Chairman, if the incessant attacks across the country are not curtailed, they are capable of truncating the electoral process.

The communique reads: “We, the Catholic Bishops of the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, which comprises Lagos Archdiocese, Abeokuta Diocese, and Ijebu-Ode Diocese, met on Monday, 23rd January 2023, at St Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.

“In the course of our meeting, we interacted with the leadership of the clergy, the religious, and the various lay organizations and societies in our province.

“After prayerful deliberation on several issues bordering on the well-being of the faithful in our province and the people of our country Nigeria as a whole, we issue the following communique:

“We thank the Almighty God for seeing us safely through the year 2022, despite its numerous challenges. Indeed, last year was particularly trying for most Nigerians as a result of excruciating economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and an unprecedented rise in the level of poverty, all of which made access to the basic necessities of life a herculean task.

“We face the year 2023 with optimism and hope, urging Nigerians not to allow the challenges of the year just ended to weigh them down, but to remain focused and prayerful, as we work together for a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

“We commend the Justice Development and Peace Commission, JDPC, under the Department of Church and Society of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, CSN, for all its efforts in sensitizing Nigerians to participate actively in the forthcoming national elections, and also for its effort in securing registration and accreditation for 6000 members of the Catholic Church to serve as Election Observers nationwide.

“We note with some concern that the forthcoming national elections commencing on the 25th February 2023, will likely be among the most contentious in the history of our country, Nigeria.

“Yet they offer another unique opportunity for all eligible citizens of this great country to rise to their civic responsibility by going out to vote for credible leaders with the capacity and competence to re-order the socio-economic and political dynamics of our nation, so that Nigerians can indeed have a new lease of life.

“We call on all eligible voters to ensure that they obtain their PVCs and come out en-masse to cast their votes. Let them set aside ethnic, religious, and political biases to vote in only the candidates who are most qualified to take our country along the path of true growth and development.

“We are aware that most of the candidates for the Presidency of our country have earlier signed a peace accord initiated by the Peace Committee put together by Elder Statesman, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, pledging to play by the rules of the Electoral Act.

“We note with regret that some of them appear not to be adhering to the terms of the peace accord that they signed, given the rising cases of politically motivated violence across the country. If these are not checked, they are capable of truncating the electoral process.

“We, therefore, appeal to leaders of all the political parties to honour the agreement that they signed by prevailing on their supporters to refrain from violence and all forms of political thuggery, and adhere strictly to the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act.

“Similarly, we call on the law enforcement agencies and other relevant agencies of Government to work assiduously and impartially to ensure that peace prevails in the country before, during, and after the electoral processes.

“The past year witnessed an unprecedented rise in cases of insecurity across the country as a result of the activities of terrorists, bandits and kidnappers who abduct and kill innocent Nigerians on a daily basis, even after collecting ransom for their victims.

“Members of the clergy have not been spared these wicked and inhuman attacks. Many of our priests have fallen victim of these attacks, and not a few have been killed in cold blood. No country can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos and anarchy. Certainly not Nigeria.

“On this note, we commiserate with our Venerable Brother, the Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Martin Uzoukwu, on the brutal killing of his priest, Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, by yet-to-be-identified murderers, and the burning down of Church property. We pray the good Lord to grant eternal rest to the dead and protection for the living. We also pray that the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be apprehended and made to face the law.

“There is no doubt that Christians in Nigeria are facing one of their most challenging times since the attainment of independence by Nigeria in 1960.

“According to available statistics, Nigeria is among the countries of the world in which Christians are most persecuted. We are all witnesses to the atrocities directed at communities that are predominantly Christian as it is in Benue and Plateau states.

“We, therefore, once again call on the Government to rise to its statutory obligation to protect the life and property of Nigerians of all faiths and no faith, and give them a sense of belonging.

“That the ship of our nation is sinking rapidly is no exaggeration. This is not the same country that was bequeathed to us by our founding fathers. We cannot remain unconcerned while things continue to get out of hand, or else we shall, sooner than later, no longer have a country to call our own.

“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians in all walks of life, including professionals, politicians, media practitioners, the judiciary, security agencies, traditional rulers, the clergy, and, indeed, the populace in general, to join hands to rebuild our nation. We can respond to this call for national rebirth by being the change that we desire, by making necessary adjustments to our daily activities to stand for the truth at all times.

“We should shun evil and all corrupt practices, and uphold whatever is just and edifying. It is time we began to say “No” to all the vices that weigh us down as a people, and promote positive values in all spheres of our national life.

“We strongly believe that our country Nigeria will be great again, despite the numerous challenges that we are currently facing. The Bible urges us to pray without ceasing. Therefore, we urge our fellow Nigerians not to relent in praying for God’s intervention in the plight of our country. He sees what we are going through, and He will surely rescue us”.

January 27, 2023
What I will do before handing over on May 29 – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Abuja said the gains recorded in security will be further consolidated, and more attention will be given to the economy, before he hands over on May 29, 2023.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari disclosed this while receiving Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, President Buhari.

Buhari said the security situation in the country had improved over the years, particularly in the North East where he said the focus had shifted to rebuilding infrastructure and re-orientation on education.

“I am very grateful for your visit to the Presidential Villa, and I agree with you on some of the observations you have made. The question of insecurity is most important to us because unless a country or institution is at peace, it will be difficult to manage.

“I just came back from Adamawa and Yobe States. During the visit to both states, I listened carefully to what the people and officials had to say. And they all said the situation had improved since 2015, especially in Borno State.

“Boko Haram was just fraudulent and a plot to destroy Nigeria. You can’t say people should not learn; the people need to grow intellectually,’’ he said.

President Buhari told the Catholic Bishops that the government will continue rebuilding infrastructure in parts of the country affected by terrorist attacks, while underscoring that terrorists had no control over any space in Nigeria.

“Some people have acknowledged the difference,’’ he added.

On the economy, the President said creditors had full confidence in Nigeria, with the capacity to utilize resources and repay loans before the approvals were granted.

“We are credible, that’s why the countries and institutions agreed to support our development with the loans,’’ he stated.

President Buhari said the destruction of oil facilities slowed the generation of revenues, and the government would be harder on saboteurs.

“If you look at the economy, we are trying hard to rely more on ourselves. Nigerians rely more on agriculture for livelihood, and we are putting in our best to enable more people, and diversify,’’ the President noted.

He said some of the challenges faced in the past, which include coups and counter-coups, and civil war, had prepared the nation for survival.

“We thank God that Nigeria is still one,’’ he said. “We should not forget that more than a million died for the nation to survive.’’

The President noted that he had been part of Nigeria’s history since 1967, fighting in the civil war, serving as governor, minister, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, before winning in 2015.

“We should thank God, and we should reflect on these things and thank God more,’’ he added.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation and President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, commended the President for reforms in the electoral system, making it more stable and fair, particularly the signing of the Electoral Bill into law.

“We commend and congratulate you for the efforts the 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,’’ he said.

Ugorji urged the President to use the remaining months in office as Commander-in-Chief to tackle insecurity in the country, and improve the economy.

“The main crux of our message to you today is one of fervent appeal and strong encouragement. Your tenure of two terms as President, Commander-In-Chief of Nigeria, is drawing to an end. But we believe 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 have seen some signs that the government is not entirely incapable of tackling the sad state of insecurity in the land, which has consumed thousands of innocent Nigerians across all religions, creed, and ethnic groups,’’ the cleric noted.

The Catholic Bishops presented a souvenir to President Buhari, containing a letter of encouragement and prayers for the forthcoming elections.

January 11, 2023
BREAKING: Bishop Kukah visits Buhari, ‘makes peace’

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese on Wednesday visited President Muhammadu Buhari at State House in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

According to Femi Adesina, President Buhari shook hands with Bishop Kukah, who visited among Executive members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

Recall Kukah had in his 2022 Christmas homily lambasted Buhari, saying despite his lofty promises, the President would be leaving office with Nigerians “far more vulnerable”.

Speaking on the Catholic Bishop’s visit, Adesina, who is a special adviser on media and publicity to President Buhari, disclosed that when Kukah came into the Council Chamber, venue of the visit, he pulled him, and started laughing.

“We laughed heartily,” Adesina said, adding: “After it all, the Bishop invited me for a personal picture with him. Bishop Kukah was cooking peace this time, and how refreshing it was.

Read Adesina on Kukah’s visit below:

WHAT’S BISHOP KUKAH COOKING AGAIN?

Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, was among Executive members of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) who visited President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Recall that at Christmas, the Bishop had given a homily that was unduly critical of the President, and which was filled with inexactitudes. I had responded via an article entitled; Kukah, Don’t Cook Me Nonsense.

When the Bishop came into the Council Chamber, venue of the visit, he pulled me, and started laughing, asking whether we should be fighting or greeting each other. We laughed heartily.

During group photographs, the President, never holding malice against anyone, shook hands with the Bishop, describing him as “most vigorous fighter.”

After it all, the Bishop invited me for a personal picture with him. Bishop Kukah was cooking peace this time, and how refreshing it was.

January 11, 2023
2023: Catholic Bishops urge members to vote only Nigerians with proven integrity

…decry alarming insecurity across Nigeria

… demand adequate prosecution of kidnappers, criminal elements

…condemn vote buying

Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have urged their members to vote for Nigerians that have proven integrity in the 2023 general elections.

TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Sacred Heart Pastoral/Retreat Centre, Orlu, Imo State, 8 – 16 September 2022.

The Bishops asserted in the communiqué entitled: ‘The Threshold Of A New Dawn In NIGERIA’ that “Politics is a noble vocation. We, therefore, encourage all politicians to uphold the values of integrity and decency.

“We strongly condemn as unlawful and sinful all forms of vote selling and buying and advise all politicians and voters to refrain from doing so.

“While it is not our responsibility as religious leaders to dictate to political parties the choices of their presidential, vice presidential and other candidates, we have the duty to advise the citizenry to bear in mind the implications of these choices while electing the next set of leaders.

“We, therefore, renew our call on all our faithful, laity and clergy alike, to come out en masse to vote for people of unassailable integrity, who have the good character, capacity and track record to lead our nation out of the present socio-political and economic doldrums, irrespective of party, religious and ethnic affiliations.

“It is through the right political choices that our current situation can be ameliorated.

On insecurity in the country, the clerics noted that:” We continue to decry the worsening state of insecurity in our nation as well as activities of terrorists and insurgents, kidnappers and bandits.

” Armed robbery and cybercrimes have continued unabated. Attacks on travellers and worshippers in Churches and other places of worship have become too frequent.

“An instance is the recent mass shooting and bombing attacks on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on Pentecost Sunday, 5 June 2022, in which 41 worshippers were killed and 70 grievously injured.

“All these have led to an incessant loss of lives and destruction of property of innocent people. We express our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved and pray for the eternal repose of the deceased.

“Regrettably, the government has not lived up to its duties with regard to security. We observe that even when suspects have been arrested, there is not even diligent prosecution of the culprits of these nefarious acts, thereby leaving the citizenry helpless and despairing.

“While we continue to call on civil authorities to stand up to their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, we enjoin all to strengthen security measures in their homes and institutions. We call on all citizens to be law-abiding, vigilant, and to shun all forms of violence and criminality.

Read full communique below:

PREAMBLE
“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, held our Second Plenary Meeting for the year at the Sacred Heart Pastoral/Retreat Centre, Orlu, Imo State, from 8 to 16 September 2022. Having prayerfully reflected on issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian State, we now issue this Communiqué:

THE CHURCH, POLITICS AND THE COMMON GOOD
“The Church teaches that politics is for the common good, in which it finds its full justification and significance and the source of its inherent legitimacy (cf. Vatican II, The Church in the Modern World, 74). As such, political authority has to be exercised within the limits of the moral order and directed towards the common good. Out of respect for all God’s children, the Church does not identify with nor is she to bound to any political party.

“Nevertheless, the Church is not indifferent or neutral to the formation and activities of the political community (cf. John XXIII, Mother and Teacher, 180).

“We urge our Catholic Lay Faithful, especially those with talents for the difficult yet noble art of politics or whose talents in this matter can be developed, to prepare themselves for it and, forgetting their convenience and material interests, to engage in political activity in pursuance of the common good and the establishment of the moral order (cf. Vatican II, The Church in the Modern World, 73). In other words, they are to accept as their divine vocation the task of sanctifying the world like leaven from within (cf. Vatican II, Apostolate of the Laity, 2 and 7; John Paul II, Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful, 16).

“While working to promote political activities and good governance that guarantee the dignity of the human person, justice and equity in society, priests have the duty to guide the Lay Faithful. In doing this, without prejudice to their rights to exercise their franchise, priests are not to use the pulpit to promote any particular political party or its candidates.

A CALL FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
“As we thank God for considerable growth in political consciousness in Nigeria, we recognise that such consciousness needs guidance through political education so that all citizens, in general and young people, in particular, will be able to effectively play their part in political affairs (cf. Vatican II, The Church in the Modern World, 74).

“We call on all our citizens and institutions to work towards responsible political behaviour and informed choices. In consonance with the principles of the Social Teaching of the Church, our people should be made aware of the duty to be both good leaders and followers. All citizens need to know, right from childhood, that they are stakeholders in the political affairs of their country; that they are actors and not mere spectators.

“Only when the people are enlightened to take cognisance of their duties to the nation and their rights in it can they escape the servitude of political manipulation and ignorance in their electoral habits.

POLITICS AND THE GENERAL ELECTIONS 2023

“The 2023 General Elections are fast approaching. We commend the National Assembly and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for enacting and signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022. We acknowledge the President’s commitment to ensuring a level playing ground for all candidates in the elections. Furthermore, we commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its innovations, especially in the area of technology, to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

” We, however, enjoin the Commission to ensure that this technology is transparently deployed, in order to increase the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

“Politics is a noble vocation. We, therefore, encourage all politicians to uphold the values of integrity and decency. We strongly condemn as unlawful and sinful all forms of vote selling and buying and advise all politicians and voters to refrain from doing so.

“While it is not our responsibility as religious leaders to dictate to political parties the choices of their presidential, vice presidential and other candidates, we have the duty to advise the citizenry to bear in mind the implications of these choices while electing the next set of leaders.

“We, therefore, renew our call on all our faithful, laity and clergy alike, to come out en masse to vote for people of unassailable integrity, who have the good character, capacity and track record to lead our nation out of the present socio-political and economic doldrums, irrespective of party, religious and ethnic affiliations. It is through the right political choices that our current situation can be ameliorated.

SOME CHALLENGES FACING THE NATION
i) Continued and Heightened Insecurity in our Country

“We continue to decry the worsening state of insecurity in our nation as well as activities of terrorists and insurgents, kidnappers and bandits.

” Armed robbery and cybercrimes have continued unabated. Attacks on travellers and worshippers in Churches and other places of worship have become too frequent.

“An instance is the recent mass shooting and bombing attacks on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on Pentecost Sunday, 5 June 2022, in which 41 worshippers were killed and 70 grievously injured. All these have led to an incessant loss of lives and destruction of property of innocent people. We express our heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved and pray for the eternal repose of the deceased.

“Regrettably, the government has not lived up to its duties with regard to security. We observe that even when suspects have been arrested, there is not even diligent prosecution of the culprits of these nefarious acts, thereby leaving the citizenry helpless and despairing. While we continue to call on civil authorities to stand up to their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, we enjoin all to strengthen security measures in their homes and institutions. We call on all citizens to be law-abiding, vigilant, and to shun all forms of violence and criminality.

ii)Nigeria’s Poor Economy
Owing to mismanagement and a failing economy with an ever increasing debt burden, there is poverty and hunger in our land, in spite of our huge human and natural resources. Spiralling inflation, high costs of goods and services, soaring unemployment, crude oil theft and non-functioning refineries have inflicted untold hardship on the citizens. Furthermore, governments have resorted to unnecessary borrowing, jeopardising the well-being of the present and future generations. Furthermore, this poor state of our economy has led to the mass migration of our human capital, especially professional and skilled labourers, fleeing the nation in search of greener pastures. In light of the above, we urge governments to make adequate policies and provide the enabling environment for the creation of more jobs by both the government and the private sector. This would surely reduce the level of poverty, insecurity and unrest in our land.

iii) ASUU Strike and Education in our Nation

The protracted strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) since 14 February 2022 is unacceptable. ASUU has cited the non-implementation of agreements by the Federal Government as the cause. We know that efforts have been made to resolve the matter. However, we believe that a resort to courts may not be the best and fastest way to solve the problem. Therefore, we renew our call on the Federal Government and ASUU to find a quicker and better way of resolving the matters under contention so that public universities will re-open.

EVENTS IN THE CHURCH
We thank the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for calling the Synod on Synodality, which began in October 2021 at the diocesan level and is scheduled to end in October 2023 in Rome. The Synod is meant to be a journey of sharing, reflecting and listening to one another at all levels in the Church: parish, diocesan, provincial, national, continental, and universal. We expect that the fruits of the Synod will most certainly contribute also to building a better political community, where consensus building, listening to the needs of one another and sharing resources equitably among the different strata of the society find a place.

We are grateful to God for the successful hosting of the Reunion of the Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) Assembly in Nigeria (3 – 8 May 2022) and felicitate with its new president His Excellency Alexis Touably Youlo of Ivory Coast. Also, we congratulate the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) for successfully holding its Assembly in Accra, Ghana (25 July – 1 August 2022), and we thank God for its new president, His Eminence Richard Cardinal Baawobr, Bishop of Wa Diocese in Ghana. We prayerfully wish him a full and speedy recovery.

For and on behalf of the Christian faithful in Nigeria, we are grateful to Pope Francis for creating another Cardinal from among us, His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese. While we pray for our new Cardinal, we continue to pledge our loyalty to the Holy Father and seek better ways to deepen our commitment to the task of evangelisation of the peoples.

We thank Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma and the entire Christ’s Faithful of Orlu Diocese for their hospitality and kind hosting of the Second Plenary Assembly this year, 2022. Since our last Plenary Meeting in Abuja in March 2022, we have had the retirement of Bishop John Afareha of Warri Diocese (18 April 2022) and the appointment of Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze as the Apostolic Administrator of Warri Diocese; the installation of Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri (23 June 2022) and the retirement of Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna as Archbishop of Owerri after 29 years of dynamic leadership to the Archdiocese. We also had the erection of Kontagora Diocese and the installation of Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna as its first Bishop (16 June 2022); the episcopal ordination and installation of Most Rev. Isaac Dugu as the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese and Most Rev. John Bakeni as the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese on 1 July 2022 and 7 July 2022 respectively. We congratulate Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong on his assumption of office as the Diocesan Administrator of Umuahia on 24 June 2022. We continue to pray for the eternal repose of our venerable brother, Most Rev. George Dodo, Bishop of Zaria Diocese, whose death occurred on 8 July 2022. He was buried on 4 August 2022. We are grateful to God for the election of Rev. Fr. Michael Pius Kagarko, who assumed office as the Diocesan Administrator of Zaria on 9 July 2022.

CONCLUSION: A CALL TO SOBER REFLECTION, SELF RESTRAINT AND PRAYER
No doubt, we stand at a crossroads. How we conduct ourselves during this period is crucial to the survival of our nation. Let us turn our attention to God in prayer and fasting for our nation to get it right. We call on our citizens to continue fasting and prayer to prepare for smooth and peaceful elections. In campaigning and canvassing for votes, we urge politicians to eschew the politics of bitterness, divisiveness and religious bigotry. If we succeed in doing these things, we shall indeed cross the threshold into a new dawn in our country.

We commend our nation into the hands of God as we move ahead in faith, hope and trust. Indeed, the Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our stronghold (Ps. 46:7). May our Mother Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria, continue to intercede for us. AMEN.

Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru UGORJI
President, CBCN
Archbishop of Owerri
Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion OGUN, OSA
Secretary, CBCN
Bishop of Uromi

September 18, 2022
Bishops conference lifts suspension on Knights

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has lifted the suspension placed on the activities of the Order of the Knights of St John International (KSJI).

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday and jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the conference, Bishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri and Bishop Donatus Ogun of Uromi dioceses.

It said that the lifting of the suspension was approved during the ongoing second 2022 plenary of the Catholic Bishops, holding in Orlu, Imo, after the Knights complied with all directives.

“We hereby lift the suspension and beseech you to fully implement the agreements that have facilitated the much desired peace process.”

The KSJI was suspended as a Catholic organisation on Feb. 16, 2022, due to the Knight’s failure to comply with the 10-point directive meant to resolve the lingering crisis in the Order.

“Whilst commending you to the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace, we earnestly urge you to shun the spirit of division and rancour.

“This will strengthen the bond of love that holds you together as a family and members of the body of Christ,” the statement added.

September 14, 2022
Catholic Bishops has become the conscience of the nation – Uzodinma

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has said that catholic Bishops has become the conscience of the nation, speaking truth to power and seeking peaceful resolutions to burning issues.

Sen Uzodinma said this at the official opening ceremony of the second 2022 plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) in Orlu, Imo.

This is contained in a statement by Fr Mike Umoh, Director of Social Communication, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

The Governor commended the Catholic Bishops for unrelentingly providing resolutions to issues of national and global importance.

According to Uzodinma, one can rightly make the statement since 1958, when the CBCN was formed.

He said since then, it had become the conscience of the nation, speaking truth to power and seeking peaceful resolutions to burning issues.

Uzodinma commended the spirit of intensive prayer as outlined in the programme of the Conference.

The governor challenged the spiritual fathers not to only be seen to be praying for peace in the country, but to also be seen to be advocates of peace and unity in real life.

He further said that the Bishops had a huge responsibility to contribute to national unity and progress.

Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Ambrose Orjiakor, applauded the Catholic Bishops for having lived up to the expectation of shepherding and pastoring.

According to him, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, through the instrumentality of CBCN, have lived up to and exceeded expectations.

He made reference to St. John Paul’s book ‘Rise, let us be on our way’, which is a message to Bishops, and identified the symbolism of three things which Bishops wei adorned with.

He listed them as the Miter, the Croiser and the Pallium, explaining that the Miter symbolised that the Bishops represented the light on the mountain which everybody saw while living exemplary lives.

He added that the Croiser was a symbol of authority that represented natural care, responsibility and leadership.

He affirmed that the Catholic Bishops lived up to their responsibilities in all the areas enunciated in Pope John Paul’s book.

The Chairman further said that the Bishops represented a very symbolic and robust institution through which the people of the country must have a voice.

He decried the current rising incidents of divorce in families and the escalating insecurity in the country.

The governor appealed to the Bishops to find a more collegial way to save the marriage institution.

He said this could be achieved by ensuring that marriage tribunals respected the institution of marriage and carefully handled issues around marriage.

With regards to insecurity, he praised the Bishops for the initiative of the prayer for Nigeria in distress and challenged them to do more.

Both speakers,(the governor and the chairman) did not fail to offer words of congratulations to the Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke who was recently elevated to cardinal.

They also congratulated the new CBCN president and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ogorji.

September 12, 2022
Catholic Bishops tackle Buhari over ‘selective’ administration of justice

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province has condemned the alleged selective administration of justice by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, saying this development has greatly affected the image of the nation in the global community.

The bishops from Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osogbo Dioceses in a communiqué released after their meeting at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure, on Wednesday noted that the current waves of insecurity in the country is an indication that the government has failed to address the criminal elements wreaking havoc but dissipating on silencing lawful citizens.

The communiqué which was made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state Ekiti state capital on Wednesday by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye was signed by the province chairman, Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin, and the secretary, Most Rev Akin Oyejola.

The bishops lamented that the nation under the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has lost its soul and that the insecurity pervading the land, dwindling economy, and others are all indices of a failed country needing an urgent revival.

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They berated the presidency for attacking the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah for his revelations to the United States Congress on the state of things in the country, insisting that Kukah made patriotic and commendable points with verifiable data on the unlawful persecution of Nigerians.

The communiqué reads, ” Nigeria, our country, seems to have lost its very soul because it is no longer a healthy entity. The good health of any nation consists in its capacity to offer its citizens a territory where they can feel at home, feel secure and enjoy the basic necessities of life.

” This, unfortunately, is no longer the case in our dear country, Nigeria, where, armed conflicts, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, insurgency, banditry, and extrajudicial killing persist as the order of the day. When a nation loses its soul, its people lose the cohesive elements of human relationships. A nation that has lost its soul is characterised by inept, uncaring leadership which functions by selective allocation of posts, privileges, and resources and by selective application of justice. It is characterised by leaders who, rather than care for the citizens of the country, simply exploit and denigrate them. “

On the presidency’s response to Bishop Kukah, the bishops revealed that, ” Bishop Kukah, in his patriotic and frank presentation called attention to some verifiable data and statistics about the Nigerian situation on that privileged international platform. He spoke for authentic Christians and Muslims who are under persecution. No doubt, he intended to solicit the support of that forum which many Nigerians believe holds the promise of some assistance and relief from our current national crises.

” The Federal Government however has characteristically gone up in arms against the person of Bishop Kukah and his purpose. It is commonly said that when there is a problem in a democracy, more democracy is needed to solve it. Sadly enough, our current federal government does not seem to subscribe to this.”

Reiterating the right of freedom of expression as stipulated in the constitution, the bishops said for the sake of the nation’s democracy must be protected and that the attempt by the National Assembly to amend the press council bill is aimed at gaging the media and it should be rejected by the citizens.

” We declare again, as we have done often in the past, that only the truth can set us free. Nigeria must allow this to happen! The attempt of the Nigerian National Assembly to silence the press and penalize journalists for merely doing their job is to be completely rejected. We hold that the freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, guaranteed by the constitution, and cannot be alienated by any government least of all in a democracy.

“For the sake of our democracy, that right, exercised with responsibility, must be protected. We support Bishop Kukah in his effort to unveil the truth about the Nigerian situation in order to ameliorate things. We call on the Nigerian government to learn not to see criticism as an attack or a crime,” they said.

The clerics expressed displeasure to the lawmakers for prioritizing the interest of their political parties above the interest of Nigerians on the passage of the amended Electoral Act and the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), urging the citizens to challenge the decisions of the national assembly with all available means.

The Bishop said, ” With the national assembly at various occasions prioritizing party and privileges over people’s rights and interest, relief and progress continue to elude Nigerians. Simply put, those who claim to represent the people seem to have perfected the art of sabotaging the progress of their same people.

Indeed, the time may have come for Nigerians to no longer simply roll over and accept non-representative decisions of the assembly but to challenge them by all legitimate means.”

July 21, 2021
Catholic Bishops: Nigeria will collapse if Buhari-led govt continue to ignore criticisms from Nigerians

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has warned the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to take criticisms from Nigerians seriously as it is key to the very survival of the nation.

The clerics made the remarks in a statement issued yesterday in reaction to the worsening insecurity and violence across the country.

The statement signed by CBCN’s president, Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Akubeze urged religious leaders to desist from using inflammatory words that distort real messages sent to government on the troubling issues in the country.

The statement partly reads: “The Catholic Church in Nigeria, through the leadership of the CBCN, has spoken several times about the need for us to ensure that our democracy works for every Nigerian and not for only a few privileged politicians or those connected to them.

“We have, like other Nigerians, seen broken promises made by political leaders. The members of the CBCN, like other religious leaders, have spoken against what we considered Government’s failure concerning the constitutional obligation to protect lives and properties of Nigerians; to work for the welfare of everyone, to protect freedom of religious expression; to protect everyone against discrimination on ethnic or religious grounds or any other forms of discrimination.

“Nigeria is owned by Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation. APC Government must learn to listen to every Nigerian… It must be clearly stated to the Federal Government that if they continue to ignore the constructive criticisms and recommendations of Nigerians from every sector, the country will collapse and become ungovernable.

“To every religious leader, let us not use inflammatory words that distort real message we are sending to this government. We must be united in the fight for our common destiny as a people.”

SEE COPIES OF ORIGINAL STATEMENT:

May 7, 2021