Catholic bishops under Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have expressed concerns about non-payment of workers’ salaries by some state governors in the country.

The clergymen also noted with delight the success achieved so far by the federal government in curbing the activities of the Boko Haram in the Northern part of Nigeria.

The bishops in a communique after their second plenary meeting held at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Oke-Ado, Ibadan between January 18 and 19 this year, with theme: “Keep Yahweh’s Attention” lamented that non-payment of salaries as at when due had caused untold hardship to the workers and their families.

The communique, which was signed by the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Bishop of Ekiti diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, was made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Thursday by Bishop Ajakaye.

According to the communique, “This unfortunate situation continues to foment considerable hardship on citizens in many states of the Federation. We commend the states of the Federation, which have reached some sort of an agreement with their workers on the issue and are making serious effort to assuage the workers’ pains.

“Our leaders must avoid any sign of threat, arrogance or impunity in dealing with sensitive public challenges. Most people are bearing the brunt of the current economic situation with everything they have and the leaders must not add more emotional trauma to their burden.”

The bishops charged the governors concerned to deal with every citizen with respect and courtesy.
On insurgency and corruption, the bishops noted reduction in killing by the Boko Haram and those displaced by insurgency returning to their former homes but charged the Nigerian Army and the security forces to maintain and sustain the current general vigilance in those areas to forestall a reoccurrence.

They warned the federal government to treat the issue of anti-corruption crusade with caution to avoid punishing innocent people for the crimes of the guilty.

“We note that many Nigerians are happy to see the government fish out and prosecute looters of public funds. We encourage the government to stay focused on this important imperative of change.

“In pursuing this noble cause, however, Nigeria must avoid the endorsement of impunity. Two wrongs simply do not make a right and official lawlessness is always toxic for public sanity.

As far as is possible the rights and dignity of all accused people must be respected.”