The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) urged Nigerians to elect only morally upright leaders in the upcoming elections.
Opening their 2025 plenary session, themed “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, CBCN President, stressed the crucial role of citizen participation in electing competent and honest leaders.
He emphasized the importance of active participation in the electoral process, rejecting voter apathy and advocating for the protection of votes to ensure they are accurately counted.
The Archbishop highlighted the need for leaders capable of fostering economic growth through effective policy.
The CBCN expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, criticizing the government’s apparent lack of investment in high-tech solutions to complement existing security efforts.
They decried the rising violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, bandits, unidentified gunmen, and Fulani herdsmen, including the increasing kidnappings, murders, and displacement of communities.
The bishops specifically condemned the gruesome reports of killings for ritual purposes and demanded an end to the widespread brutality.
While acknowledging the efforts of security personnel, the CBCN questioned the government’s failure to utilize advanced technology to combat the crisis effectively.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
