The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, alleging that they have resulted in significant hardship for Nigerians.
In a firm statement, CBCN President Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji expressed deep concern over the escalating challenges facing Nigerians, attributing them to the president’s reform initiatives.
The bishops highlighted the immense difficulties experienced by Nigerian families, including soaring food prices and limited access to basic necessities. They also decried the impact of criminal activities on communities, leading to loss of land, economic downturns, school closures, and widespread insecurity.
CBCN particularly criticized President Tinubu’s actions to withdraw fuel subsidies and unify the foreign exchange market, key elements of his reform agenda. They emphasized the resultant surge in fuel prices and continuous depreciation of the Naira, worsening inflation and making essential goods unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address economic and security challenges, the bishops argued that these reforms had intensified the suffering of Nigerians. They called for a more proactive stance against corruption, urging robust measures to ensure transparency and accountability in public finance management.
The bishops expressed disappointment with the government’s inability to demonstrate tangible benefits from the removal of fuel subsidies, pointing out the escalating foreign debts used to bridge budget shortfalls.
They criticized such practices as detrimental to the nation’s future and the well-being of future generations, advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians.
