Catholic Bishops Accuse President Tinubu of Inflicting Hardship on Nigerians
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has launched a scathing critique against President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of spearheading socioeconomic reforms that have resulted in unprecedented suffering among Nigerians.
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of CBCN, issued a bold statement expressing deep concern over the escalating hardship and crime rates in the country, attributing them to the president’s reform agenda.
The bishops highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian families, including soaring food prices and limited access to basic necessities. They also deplored the plight of communities ravaged by criminals, leading to loss of ancestral lands, economic stagnation, school closures, and pervasive insecurity.
CBCN specifically criticized President Tinubu’s decision to withdraw fuel subsidies and unify the foreign exchange market, core components of his reform strategy. They pointed to the sharp rise in petroleum product prices and the continuous depreciation of the Naira, exacerbating inflation and rendering essential goods unaffordable for ordinary Nigerians.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to address economic challenges and insecurity, the bishops argued that the reform agenda had worsened the plight of Nigerians.
They called for a more proactive approach to combat corruption, emphasizing the necessity of implementing checks and balances in public financial management to prevent embezzlement.
Expressing disappointment with the government’s failure to demonstrate evidence of savings from fuel subsidy removal, the bishops highlighted the mounting foreign debts accumulated to cover budget deficits. They criticized this approach as jeopardizing the nation’s future and the welfare of future generations.
