Catholic Bishops Urge FG To Address Rising Cost of Food Items, Hardship in Nigeria.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the federal government to address the rising cost of food items and the hardship in the country.
In a communiqué issued at the end of a week-long Second Plenary meeting held in Auchi Diocese, Edo State, CBCN admonished the federal government to support farmers with subsidies, soft loans, modern technology, and improved seedlings.
They said such measures should also include supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The Bishops lamented that it is regrettable that Nigerians are currently suffering under the hardship fueled by high electricity tariffs, high costs of petroleum products, transportation, and healthcare, as well as the lack of basic infrastructure.
The conference also called for a radical change of heart from a political ideology that promotes the arbitrary use of power for self-enrichment to one of politics as service and solidarity with the people.
The Bishops declared 2024 as the Year of Prayers, in preparation for the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. They emphasized that prayers must be accompanied by action and repentance of wrongdoings as individuals, communities, leaders, and as a nation.
The Bishops further expressed deep concern over the increasing aberrations during worship, such as unduly lengthy celebrations, excessive monetary collections, lack of silence and decorum, as well as alteration of sacramental words and elements.
They called for intensified vigilance to ensure the liturgy is celebrated according to approved norms.
The CBCN vehemently condemned the use of violence by some protesters and the killing of citizens by security operatives, while reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The Bishops called on governments to address the issues that lead to protests and to release all detained protesters.
They also urged the government to reconsider its economic reform policies to alleviate the burden of hardship on citizens and promote people-oriented development.
The body appealed to governments to harmonize taxes and address multiple taxation to stem the tide of business collapse and encourage investors.
They called on all Nigerians to observe the ongoing Year of Prayers, fast sincerely for the country, and commit the nation to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen, and Patroness of Nigeria.
Credit: NAN
