Verdict Nigeria: This is time to reject evil, Catholic Bishops admonish

Few days to the February 25 and March 11 general elections, Catholic Bishops across the country, under the auspices of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, have encouraged eligible citizens to come out en masse to vote for God-fearing, honest, vibrant, and transparent leaders for a better Nigeria, saying: “This is now the time to reject evil, greater or lesser and wisely choose good and capable candidates at all levels”.

Fresh Angle International can report that the position of the Catholic Bishops, was extracted from a Communiqué issued at the end of its First Plenary Meeting, held at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from Saturday February 11 to Friday February 17.

In the Communique, which was signed by the President of CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru UGORJI and the Secretary, Most Rev. Donatus A. OGUN, OSA, the Catholic Bishops, posited that the implementation of the cash swap policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is flawed, saying it has resulted in cash crunch and added, “to the ordeal, hunger, anger and frustration of the people.”

Whilst noting that Catholic Church continues to insist that government has a constitutional and statutory duty of protecting human rights and securing basic justice for all, the Clerics, asserted: “Increased insecurity has continued to haunt our nation. The Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen militia, bandits, and the so-called unknown gunmen have continued to unleash terror in different parts of the country. Some communities have been sacked and their inhabitants displaced as a result of the activities of some criminals and some government security agents. Hundreds of lives have been lost in very brutal circumstances and many more have been maimed. Some of our Church personnel have been victims of abduction and killing. Kidnapping for ransom is on the increase such that nowhere seems safe. Highways, homes, and even the sacred precincts of worshipping centres are not spared. We condole with all the bereaved and pray for the eternal repose of the deceased. While we continue to call on governments to stand up to their primary 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, and vigilant, and to shun all forms of violence and criminality.

“We, therefore, urge Federal Government and its relevant agencies to immediately increase the circulation of new Naira notes and make and implement adequate monetary and other relevant policies that will reduce the suffering and hardship experienced by our people. We admonish those who collaborate in hoarding the new currency and petroleum products to desist from such a dastardly act.”

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