CBCN – ASO ROCK ENCOUNTER12 SALIENT POINTS & SOME RESPONSES

By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh

Here are 12 salient points from the Address of the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) during his encounter with the President of Nigeria on Tuesday, 28 July, 2026:

1. Introduction and Purpose: Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso introduced himself as the newly elected President of the CBCN and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to collaborating with the government to build a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
2. Reassurance for Christian Citizens: While acknowledging Government support during the recent visit of Vatican representative, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, he urged the government to implement deliberate policies to address legitimate concerns and reassure Christians of their equal rights as citizens.
3. Tertiary Education Concerns: Commended the Student Loan Initiative (NELFund) but cautioned that the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) moratorium on establishing new private universities could undermine gains given the deficit of university spaces for the teeming youth population.
4. Preserving Democratic Space and Opposition: Expressed serious concern over the perceived constriction of the political space and fears of a one-party state, calling on President Tinubu to draw on his democratic legacy to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.
5. Demand for Credible 2027 Elections: Highlighted growing voter disenchantment and warned that anything short of transparent, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, supported by accessible voter cards and timely INEC funding, could lead to avoidable disaster.
6. Acknowledging Successful Security Interventions: Congratulated the President on the successful release of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, along with the swift prosecution of the perpetrators, as a positive example of effective government action.
7. Pervasive Insecurity and Loss of Sovereignty: Pointed out that despite isolated successes, widespread insecurity, terrorism, and banditry persist across homes, schools, places of worship, and highways, threatening national sovereignty and Nigeria’s leadership standing in Africa.
8. Economic Hardship and Worsening Quality of Life: Highlighted the severe suffering of citizens due to economic hardship, power sector deterioration, poor road infrastructure, and delayed positive impacts from government policies, stressing that words of sympathy must be backed by concrete action.
9. Papal Invitation Request: Urged President Tinubu to formally invite Pope Leo to visit Nigeria, noting the Pope’s deep affection for the country and enthusiasm for a future visit.
10. Return of Mission Schools: Respectfully requested the federal government to give favourable consideration to returning mission schools to their original proprietors.
11. Equal Religious Freedom and Rights in Practice: Called for the uniform nationwide enforcement of freedom of worship (citing the February 10, 2026 Supreme Court judgment in Rivers State), specifically requesting that Christians in northern Nigeria be granted equal rights to acquire land for churches and worship freely without discrimination.
12. Call for Sincere Good Governance: Concluded with a plea for genuine commitment to good governance for the common good, accompanied by prayers for wisdom and strength for the President to lead the nation effectively.

RESPONSES BASED ON STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE:

1. WE ARE STABILISING THE NATION, PROSPERITY ON THE HORIZON, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS CATHOLIC BISHOPS
2. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu … assured that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.
3. President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency.
4. President Tinubu stated that the security challenges are being confronted through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare.
5. “I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem.’’
6. On poverty alleviation, President Tinubu affirmed that the government will sustain interventions that directly improve the livelihoods of families and citizens, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
7. “I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.
8. “The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.
9. “I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,’’ he stated.
10. “We have no control over the population growth and trajectory. That is why you have membership in your various faiths, churches, to give hope to people and give commitment to humanity in the true sense of it. Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to generations yet unborn to sustain it,’’ the President added.
11. “To educate our children, I can say your children because you are revered fathers. You can’t say a four-year course in the university is not four years now. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to our homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? For me, that’s answered prayer,’’ President Tinubu noted. President Tinubu affirmed that more universities had been approved to meet the growing demand for higher education, and the statistics by the NUC will help in the budgeting of NELFUND. “I believe in what you believe; we should embrace education to get out of poverty,’’ he said.
12. On preparations for the general elections, the President said INEC had been neutral. “The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.
13. The President told the leaders of the CBCN that state governors, following the constitution, have the authority to decide the return of mission schools. “I returned all mission schools when I was the governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Okogie, one of my best friends, is alive to testify to that,’’ he stated.