The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained by the government over the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The protest, which began on August 1 and ended August 10, degenerated to violence which led to deaths and wanton looting of properties in some states.

Amnesty International had said over 1000 protesters were arrested by security forces.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the week-long second Plenary Meeting of the CBCN held in Auchi Diocese, Edo State, on Thursday, the clerics demanded release of the protesters.

It was signed by Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri; and Most Rev. Donatus A. Ogun, Bishop of Uromi; President and Secretary of CBCS.

They said, “The recent protest by a cross-section of the people was aimed at openly expressing their distress and frustration in a nation endowed with rich human and natural resources, yet unable to provide the basic needs of its citizens.

“There was a fear that the planned protest could be hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums to wreak havoc on the nation. In spite of all odds, the protest commenced peacefully, but went skewed along the line. In some parts of Nigeria, it became violent as there were reports of arson, looting, destruction of lives and property worth billions of Naira. Many were also reported injured.

“Unfortunately, some security operatives, who should normally protect citizens during protests, resorted to threats, intimidation and blackmail to deter citizens from protesting, and, in some cases, it was alleged that they engaged in extra judicial killings,” it added.

They also urged the federal government to support farmers with subsidies, soft loans, modern technology and, improved seedlings, but not genetically modified seedlings, as part of measures to resolve the rising food prices and hardship in the country.

The bishops said such measure would also involve supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

They lamented that Nigerians were currently groaning under the yoke of hardship which is fuelled by high electricity tariffs, high cost of petroleum products, transportation and Medicare, and general lack of basic infrastructure.

“This situation has been heightened by grave threat of food insecurity and malnutrition due to increasing cost of basic food items. We learn from experts that food insecurity and hunger in Nigeria are caused, among other factors, by persistent insecurity from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and herdsmen that have disrupted agricultural activities and livelihoods in many parts of the country.

“We recognise the efforts of governments to deal with this problem such as declaration of state of emergency on food insecurity, importation of food, cash transfer scheme and the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable. Nevertheless, it is sad to observe that, in spite of these measures, the prices of food items have continued to surge.

“We demand that governments put in place policies, programmes and initiatives that would address the multi-faceted factors that adversely affect food security with a good action plan for implementation such as provision of safety and security to farmers and their crops across the country.

“We enjoin governments to support farmers with subsidies, soft loans, modern technology and, improved seedlings, but not genetically modified seedlings. It would also involve supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling to add value to raw local food products through processing, preservation and packaging technology.

“We encourage families and individuals to embark on farming and call on government to ensure the security of farmers and their crops, offer incentives to private-sector agribusinesses, and take urgent and decisive steps to achieve food self-sufficiency in our nation,” they said.

They also noted that while government officials keep calling for patience and sacrifice, their call does not fall well on the rest of the citizens who continue to suffer hunger and dehumanizing poverty, while those in power live an affluent lifestyle, with no visible effort at reducing the cost of governance. (Daily Trust)

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