Catholic bishops knock Tinubu over state of nation

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria on Sunday described as worrisome the state of the nation, noting that Nigeria is presently “sitting on a ticking time bomb” under President Bola Tinubu.

The Catholic body of Bishops also said that as long as the issues of poverty, hardship and corruption continue to be the lots of Nigerians, the nation should be ready to contend with more protests.

They also expressed grave concern about the nation’s growing debt burden adding that “servicing huge debts to international monetary agencies and sourcing for funds internally to balance budget deficit led to the economic reforms of Mr President, consisting mainly in the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the floating of naira.

President of the Catholic body, who is the Archbishop of Owerri, and the President of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, stated this in his welcome address at the opening Session of the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN taking place in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

While declaring the event open, Ugorji said the future of the nation depends on how the challenges bedevilling the nation are tackled, expressing optimism that trust in God would transform the country.

On the state of the nation, he said, “On August 4th, President Bola Tinubu enumerated the achievements of his administration. While we recognise that notable progress has been made in some sectors of our national life, we cannot fail to admit that the present state of the nation is worrisome. Even though insecurity remains one of our major challenges.