Catholic Bishops Warn Nigeria is “Sitting on a Ticking Time Bomb” Under Tinubu’s Administration
The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as “worrisome.” In a statement issued on Sunday, the CBCN warned that Nigeria is “sitting on a ticking time bomb” and urged the president to urgently address the myriad challenges facing the country to prevent an impending crisis.
The bishops emphasized that unless the issues of poverty, economic hardship, and corruption are effectively tackled, Nigeria should brace itself for more youth-led protests. They highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among the youth, exacerbated by worsening economic conditions and a lack of opportunities, as a significant trigger for social unrest.
The CBCN also voiced grave concerns over Nigeria’s escalating debt burden, which has placed immense pressure on the nation’s economy. They noted that the need to service these massive debts to international financial institutions, coupled with efforts to raise funds domestically to cover budget deficits, led to President Tinubu’s recent economic reforms. These reforms included the controversial removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have had profound impacts on the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the CBCN, articulated these concerns during his welcome address at the opening session of the 2024 Second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN, held in Auchi, Edo State. He emphasized that the future of Nigeria hinges on how well these pressing issues are addressed, while also expressing hope that with steadfast trust in God, the nation could see a positive transformation.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Archbishop Ugorji remarked, “While we recognize that notable progress has been made in some sectors of our national life, we cannot fail to admit that the present state of the nation is worrisome. Insecurity remains one of our major challenges, and the continued decline of our national economy has plunged millions into multidimensional poverty and severe hardship.”
He pointed to the nationwide protests that occurred from August 1st to 10th, 2024, under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, as a direct manifestation of the public’s frustration. “The protest was aimed at voicing out their disappointment and frustration over the ills plaguing the nation. Although Nigerians have the constitutional right to express their grievances through peaceful protests, there was widespread concern that the protests could be hijacked by miscreants,” Ugorji noted.
He strongly condemned the violent suppression of some protesters by security forces, resulting in fatalities and injuries, and extended prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for the swift recovery of the injured. “As long as poverty, hardship, and corruption persist, and the future of our youth remains bleak, we will continue to face youth protests,” he warned.
Archbishop Ugorji also criticized government officials for deflecting responsibility and searching for scapegoats rather than addressing the root causes of the nation’s troubles. He expressed concern that the crackdown on protesters and their alleged sponsors on dubious charges could be seen as an attempt to strip citizens of their democratic rights to protest or create a false impression that all is well in the country. “This is delusional and condemnable,” he stated.
On the issue of Nigeria’s increasing debt burden, Archbishop Ugorji lamented, “Millions of vulnerable Nigerians are now trapped in living conditions that are an affront to human dignity. For the present and future generations of our people, the debt burden has turned out to be a new form of enslavement, causing pain, despair, and death.”
The Catholic Bishops’ stern message underscores a call for urgent action to address the economic and social challenges facing Nigeria, to prevent further deterioration of the country’s stability and ensure a better future for all its citizens.
