The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria rose from its second plenary today with a call on the Federal Government to ensure that in the pursuit of national interest, it should be guided by the rule of law and respect for human dignity and development.
This was contained in a communiqué presented to the public at the end of the weeklong conference. The Bishops noted that the rule of law connotes equality of all under the law, protection of the fundamental rights of citizens and guards against abuse of power.
They urged the legislatures to enact good laws and abrogate bad one in order to ensure order, safety, good conduct, and the common good. They also enjoined “the judiciary not to allow itself to be used as an instrument of subjugation, oppression, discrimination, and injustice”.
On the much anticipated 2019 general elections, the prelates urged Nigerians to “be wise enough to show some of our politicians who may have so much to hide, that they can run but they cannot hide”. They also demanded that the choice of the electorate must be respected by all adding that although elections are not enough to enthrone good governance, they are an important stage in that project.
The Catholic Bishops demanded that the Federal Government secure the unconditional release of Leah Sharibu who is still being held captive because she refused to denounce her Christian faith; this is in addition to ensuring the release of the remaining Chibok girls.
The Conference condemned the spate of violence and high level of insecurity in Nigeria and it is saddened on the brutal murder of unarmed Nigerians owing to religious and political differences, boundary disputes and other sundry reasons. They observed that government is “often slow in responding to these violent occurrences and often allows many of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to go unpunished, thus creating a culture of impunity”.
The communiqué encouraged Nigerians not to be afraid and that in the face of the prevailing crisis, tensions and anxiety, they should put their trust in God while working hard to build a harmonious and peaceful nation.
The Conference called on the youth as the future of the church to continue to distinguish themselves with manifest good values and make a remarkable impact on the Church and society.
The Bishops said the Church is in what it called trying times and reaffirmed their commitment to priestly celibacy and chastity as well as unity with the universal church under the Pope. The scandals in other parts of the world they said is a wakeup call to stand for the truth and grow strong in witnessing to the Kingdom of God.
The 8-point communiqué commended the government and traditional institutions in the four states making up the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto for fraternizing warmly with the Bishops during their stay.
