The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Sunday described as ‘worrisome’ the state of the nation under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that Nigeria is presently ‘sitting on a ticking time bomb.

The Catholic body of Bishops also warned that as long as the issues of poverty, hardship and corruption continue to be the lots of Nigeria Youths, the nation should be ready to contend with more youth 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, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and also the President Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, stated this in his welcome address at the opening Session of 2024 second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN, taking place at Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

While declaring the Conference open, Ugorji said the future of the nation is depended on how the challenges bedeviling the nation is tackled, they however expressed optimism that trust in God will transform our nation.

On the state of nation he said, “On August 4th , 2024, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu , President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , enumerated the achievements of his administration.

“While we recognize that notable progress has been made in some sectors or 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.

“As our national economy continues to decline and continue to reduce millions to a life of multidimensional poverty and untold hardship, the Nigerian youths embarked on a nation wide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance from 1 to 10th August 2024.

“The protest was aimed at publicly voicing out their disappointment and frustration on the ills bedeviling the nation.

“Although Nigeria have the constitutional right to express their grievances through peaceful protests, there was widespread concern could be hijacked by miscreants.

“Likewise we condemn in strong terms the killing of some protesting youths by security operatives. We pray for the happy repose of the dead, the speedy recovery of the injured and the consolation of the bereaved.

“We wish to stress that as long as the nation is afflicted with poverty, hardship and corruption, and as long as the future of youths in our nation remains bleak, we continue to reckon with youth protest. Rather than address the risk tide of ill trying to drown the nation, some government are busy passing the buck and looking for scapegoat.

“We are indeed sitting on a ticking time-bomb as security operatives try to crack down on some of those involved and their sponsors on perceived trumped up charges, raising concern whether they are trying to strip citizens of their democratic rights and freedoms to protests or give the impression that everything in the country was fine and there was really no need for the protest. This is delusional and condemnable,” he said.

On the increasing debt burden, he said, “Millions of vulnerable Nigerians are now trapped in living conditions, which are affront to human dignity.

“Indeed, for the present and future generations of our people, the debt burden has turned out to be new form of enslavement, causing pain, despair and death. (New Telegraph)

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