Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province,have warned that no Nigerian life should be sacrificed for the crisis in Niger or anywhere else because war of any kind is a failure of humanity.
Just as they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to avoid involving Nigeria in armed conflict in Niger face domestic challenges being faced by Nigeria
The diocese comprising Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo Dioceses stated this in a communique after their meeting held at pope john paul 11 pastorial centre Ado Ekiti
According to a communique issued, the clerics said Nigerians favour negotiation and other non-military means and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is president first and foremost of Nigeria needs to listen to Nigerians before anyone else.
“Governments that fail to represent the interest of their people in democracy, compromise their legitimacy. If the public reaction to Nigeria’s involvement in restoring democracy in Niger is anything to go by, one can say that military intervention in Niger being proposed by the leaders of the Economic Community of West Africa ECOWAS is very unpopular.
Speaking on the Intriguing Conditions of Living in Nigeria, the Bishops said
what many Nigerians go through on a daily basis is almost unspeakable.
” It is distressing that Nigerian leaders, past and present, continue to exact more sacrifice from ordinary Nigerians while increasing their own scandalous remunerations and comfort.
What more, most of our current leaders seem to lead the country without any compass, hardly knowing what to do about anything. Yet, the demands of Nigerians are very straightforward and simple, namely: purposeful leadership and good governance, verifiable in security of life and property, decent infrastructure and social amenities, the enforcement of the rule of law and a conducive atmosphere for development. These are not unthinkable demands to make. All Nigerian leaders stand indicted unless they make a change, shun prebendalism and serve the aspirations of their people. ”
On food crisis. the Bishops insisted that government must have sustainable programmes for food production, preservation and processing and provide facilities for Nigerians to engage in it. This commitment over some years will unlock the potential capacity of the country to feed its citizens and other countries as well
