In a bold statement, the President of the Nigeria Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating economic situation and increasing crime rates in the country, which he attributed to the president’s reform agenda.
The bishops highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian families, such as soaring food prices and lack of access to basic necessities.
They lamented the plight of communities ravaged by criminals, leading to loss of ancestral lands, economic stagnation, closure of schools and widespread insecurity.
The CBCN criticized President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and unify the foreign exchange market, two key elements of his reform strategy.
They highlighted the sharp increase in prices of petroleum products and the continued depreciation of the Naira, exacerbating inflation and making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to afford essential goods.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address economic challenges and insecurity, the bishops argued that the reform agenda had worsened the suffering of Nigerians.
They called for a more proactive approach in the fight against corruption, emphasizing the importance of implementing checks and balances in public financial management to prevent misappropriation of funds.
The bishops expressed disappointment at the lack of evidence of gains from the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, highlighting the rise in foreign debt accumulated to plug budget deficits.