SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA (C.B.C.N) FOR 1996, BENIN CITY, 10 – 13 SEPTEMBER, 1996

SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’
CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA (C.B.C.N) FOR 1996, BENIN CITY,
10 – 13 SEPTEMBER, 1996

COMMUNIQUE

Preamble

We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, held our Second Plenary meeting for the year 1996
at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, from 10 to 13 September, 1996. During the
four days of prayer, reflection and serious study, we critically reviewed the state of the Church
in Nigeria. Aware of the lights and shadows in our Church and Nation but trusting in the power
of the Almighty God, we issue the following Communique:

Rays of Hope

In the midst of the distress of the people of Nigeria, God has provided rays of hope and
glimpses of the greatness that can be the lot of our people. These glimpses, like light in the
efforts, sacrifices and prayers of all well meaning Nigerians for a free, just, egalitarian, united
and democratic country shall not be in vain. We highlight some of the events that inspire
gratitude to God and undying hope for a better Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Success at the Atlanta Olympic Games

We join fellow Nigerians in rejoicing at the success of the Nigerian football team and
other athletes, both able-bodied and disabled at the recent Olympic Games in Atlanta, U.S.A.
The lessons. of the Atlanta Games should go beyond mere celebrations. The singular
achievement of the Nigerian sports men and women, inspite of lapses in planning and
preparation, goes to show what this nation can achieve with good leadership, proper planning
and organization. Nigerians should also learn from the same achievement to embrace hard
work, unity of purpose, national integration and, above all, faith in God.

Efforts to bring Sanity into the Banking Industry

Nigerians have for some time experienced crisis in the banking industry, a crisis that has
instilled fear and distrust of that important sector of the economy. Greed and mismanagement
have combined to undermine the very survival of the Nigerian economy through the failure of
banks. The efforts of the government to apprehend and hold accountable those who had caused
the collapse of banks are steps in the right direction. Such efforts should be pursued vigorously
with consistency, fairness, due process and respect for the rights of the citizens. We urge the
authorities to extend the efforts at sanitising the banking industry to other sectors of the socio-
economic and political life of the nation.

Even though the measures are more curative than preventive, we are convinced that they
are sending out the right signals that every Nigerian, no matter his or her position or status, can
be called to account for his or her acts of commission or omission. This will contribute
immensely to the enthronement of the rule of law which has so far been an elusive factor in the
Nigerian polity.

Return of Seized Schools to their Legitimate Owners

Since the forcible and unjust take-over of schools from the voluntary agencies, we have
ceaselessly asserted and denounced the injustice of such expropriation and the attendant
monopoly of education by government. As we have stated, time without number, the stagnation
and near collapse of the educational system as well as moral bankruptcy in the society have
resulted from this action. Happily, some State governments have realised the mistake of the past
educational policies and have tried to right the wrongs by returning schools to their rightful
owners. The recognition by the government that it needs to work in partnership with other
institutions, especially the Church, in the education with a strong religious and moral content.
We welcome this development, and urge those governments still holding the schools of the
Catholic Church, to return them. We assure Nigerians of our readiness to help salvage and
restore the educational system to its former glory in cooperation with government and other
agencies in the society.

A Nation Still in Stress

In spite of the glimpses of hope, the Nation is still in the throes of distress. We continue
to hear the cries of suffering, helplessness and despair of many Nigerians. In this country
which God has endowed with an abundance of human and material resources, Nigerians are
faced with starvation and destitution of incredible magnitude. Workers do not earn enough to
live above starvation level; one can only imagine the deplorable conditions of the teeming
population of the unemployed. The nightmarish condition of the roads in this country, the
insecurity of life and property experienced in the upsurge of armed robbery and hired
assassinations make life extremely difficult and precarious for the people of this country. Greed,
corruption, sectionalism, gross abuse of human rights and militarisation of the Nigerian psyche
continue unabated. We call on all Nigerians to work together with the government to address
as a matter of urgency the root causes of these ills.

The Crisis in the University System

We watch with dismay the progressive deterioration of the educational system in general
and university education particular. Often, have Nigerians been jolted by crisis in the
universities due to underdevelopment and decay of infrastructures underfunding, incessant
closures, endless strikes, the spectre of secret societies and cults and commercialisation of
education. The crisis has led to an unparalleled exodus of some of the best brains from our
universities and the flight of many frustrated students to other countries in search of university
education, some of whom may never return. Many students forced to idle and meaningless
existence have swelled the ranks of criminals. There is growing scepticism about, and distrust
of the value of the certificates awarded by our universities.

The present standoff between the government and the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) is threatening to further the process of collapse of this very important
institution in our country. The prolonged strike by members of ASUU and its proscription by
government have crippling effects. We believe that neither intransigence nor the banning of
ASUU is a solution to the problem. Considering the plight of students and parents, we urge
government to continue dialogue with the legitimate representatives of the Academic Staff of the
universities in a spirit of give-and-take. As a neutral body, we offer to mediate between government and

university teachers in order to find a lasting solution to the frequent crises in our universities.

Abortion and Culture of Death

We have insistently called the attention of Nigerians to a new culture of death represented
by abortion and other assaults on human life. Abortion remains a heinous crime of murder.
Human life at any stage, from conception to its natural end, cannot be an object of compromise.
The alleged flirtation of our government with the idea of legalising abortion cannot but be
retrogressive and contrary to the culture of life which is also rooted in the African tradition.
We continue to urge the government to avoid taking any measure that can encourage loose living
and disregard for life, especially, the life of the defenseless unborn babies.

The Source of AIDS

AIDS is unfortunately a reality in Nigeria. We urge the government, health care
institutions, information media, religious and humanitarian organizations to mount a programme
of enlightenment on the causes and prevention of AIDS and proper care for its victims. We are
convinced that the most effective solution to the spread of AIDS is premarital chastity and
fidelity in marriage.

The Prophetic and Intercessory Role of the Church

The Catholic Church in Nigeria continues to identify herself with the joys and sorrows of every

Nigerian, especially the poor, downtrodden and oppressed. Our mission is,
to bring the good news to the poor,

to proclaim liberty to captives

and to the blind new sight.

to set the downtrodden free,

to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour (Lk 4: 18-19)

The Catholic Church pursues its prophetic role with undivided attention. Like the sentry
in the prophecy of Ezekiel, whom God commanded to speak to the nation (see Ez. 33:1-9), we
continue to denounce individual and social injustice in our society, which should not be
construed as antagonism. We continue to encourage Nigerians to recognize their rights and to
resolutely pursue and defend them with all legitimate means at their disposal. We continue to
insist that return to democracy and sanity of governance is indispensable for the realisation of
a truly great, peaceful and prosperous nation. We have also pointed out the responsibility of the
generality of Nigerians for the distress of the nation and the need for a change of heart by everyone.

A Call for Intensified Prayer

In the past, we have not only spoken out but we have called for prayers for the nation.

On 27 July, 1993, we composed a special “Prayer for Nigeria in Distress” which is said
everyday by millions of Catholics. On 16 September, 1994 we entrusted the nation anew to the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria. We believe that our prayers have been efficacious,

which is why the nation has been spared greater distress.

Given the continued state of distress of our country and believing in the almighty power
of God to transform human beings, institutions and situations, we wish to entrust Nigeria in
special way into the hands of God. We hereby inaugurate a special programme of prayer for
the wellbeing of our nation. We also invite other Christians, men and women of goodwill in
Nigeria and beyond to join us in this intensive prayer. This programme of prayer for Nigeria
will be communal, public and persistent. It will be accompanied by the reading of and
mediation on the word of God, homilies, individual and communal conversion, sacramental
confession, sincere mutual forgiveness and reconciliation, fasting, abstinence and actions in
favour of charity and justice. God will not fail to hear the cries and petitions rising up to Him
from millions of Nigerians who in common agreement are praying for peace, justice and good
democratic governance in our land for 2 Chronicles 7: 14, God says,

if my people who bear my name humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my presence, and turn from

their wicked ways, I myself will hear from heaven
and forgive their sins and restore their land.

Conclusion

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth (See Psalm 124:8).

We believe that unless the Lord builds the house in vain do the builders labour (See Psalm
127: 1) With the Apostle Paul, we pray:

Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do
infinitely more than we can ask or imagine; Glory be
to him from generation to generation in the Church and
in Christ Jesus forever and ever (Eph. 3: 20)

(Sgd) (Sgd)

Most. Rev. A.K. Obiefuna Rt Rev Dr M N Okoro

President Secretary

A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF
NIGERIA (CBCN) AT THE END OF THE FIRST PLENARY MEETING FOR
THE YEAR 1998, HELD AT THE BISHOP OKOYE RETREAT AND
CONFERENCE CENTRE, ONITSHA ARCHDIOCESE, FRONI THE 3RD TO
THE 6TH OF MARCH, 1998.

A CALL TO HOLINESS AND RECONCILIATION

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held our first
plenary meeting for the year 1998 at the Bishop Okoye Retreat and Conference Centre
(BORACC), Onitsha Archdiocese, from the 3rd to the 6th of March 1998. The meeting
took place on the threshold of the second pastoral visit of His Holiness, Pope John Paul
II, to Nigeria for the beatification of Venerable Cyprian Michael Tansi, OCSO.

During the meeting we deliberated on the significance of the twin events of the papal
visit and the beatification of Venerable Cyprian Tansi for the Nigerian Church and
indeed the entire Nigerian nation at this point in our history. Following our
deliberations, we issue this communique.

WELCOME. HOLY FATHER

It gives us profound joy that His Holiness gave favourable consideration to the request
we first made to him during our Ad Limina visit to Rome in 1993 to beatify Venerable
Cyprian Tansi here in Nigeria. That the Pope is coming to our country for the second
time is a rare privilege, for which we are immensely grateful to God and to the Holy
Father himself. The Catholic faithful in Nigeria and indeed the entire Nigerian people
welcome the Vicar of Christ most warmly to our land, and pray that his visit will bring
us an abundance of divine blessings.

APPRECIATION

Since the announcement of the papal visit, the Conference has set in motion the
process of ensuring its success. Numerous individuals, groups and associations have
come to the aid of the Church in working towards that objectives. We are deeply grateful to them. Of particular note is the support we have received from the
government at various levels. We acknowledge the favourable disposition of the
Federal Government towards the visit of the Pope, and we are appreciative of the
measures it is taking to facilitate it.

A PASTORAL VISIT

The Pope is coming to Nigeria primarily in his capacity as Pastoral of the Universal
Church. Such a visit is always intended to encourage, exhort and challenge the
faithful as they struggle to bear witness to Christ in the peculiar circumstances in
which they find themselves. The pastoral visit of the Pope this time is one with a

differences: it has a specific purpose, namely, the beatification of Venerable Cyprian
Tansi, which will take place on the 22nd of March, 1998 at Oba, Onitsha, and the
celebration of a special Mass for the Nation on the 23rd at Kubwa, Abuja, the Nation’s
capital. The celebration at Onitsha “rill centre around the theme of Holiness, while
that of Abuja on the theme of the Church as Family of God.

VENERABLE CYPRIAN TANSI

By the event of the beatification, the Church formally acknowledges and declares that
Venerable Cyprian Tansi lived a life of heroic virtue, and presents him as a model to
be imitated by the faithful, and indeed all people of goodwill. The exemplary life of
Venerable Cyprian Tansi is amply visible in his attributes” such as his solid faith,
unflinching hope, universal charity, discipline, self-denial and uncompromising
defense of the truth. His life thus challenges all Nigerians to emulate his virtues,
particularly in the prevailing atmosphere of social decay that has bedeviled our land
for quite some time now in the forms of bribery and corruption, dishonesty, violence,
selfishness and greed.

A CALL TO HOLINESS

Furthermore, and more significantly, the beatification of Venerable Cyprian Tansi
challenges all Nigerians of all faiths to strive after holiness of life. The God that we
ail worship is a holy God. He wishes, even demands the same holiness from his sons
and daughters, as is clearly borne out by the Sacred Scriptures: “Be holy, for I, your.
God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:21; I Peter 1:15-16; see also Math.). Venerable Cyprian
Tansi heeded the divine call to holiness, and responded to it in his chosen vocation as
priest and monk. He is today being honoured for it. Every member of Christ’s faithful
and indeed every man and woman made in the image and likeness of God can and
must strive to be holy in accordance with their vocations. No child of God should settle
for less.

A CHALLENGE TO RECONCILIATION

The coming of the Pope and the beatification of Venerable Cyprian Tansi challenge
every Nigerian citizen to work for genuine reconciliation. The fact that Nigerians can
come together for the two events irrespective of place of origin, language, or religion
is a sign that given the right atmosphere they can rise above their differences and live
in harmony with one another. The need for reconciliation and harmony is all the more
urgent in view of the growing incidence of inter-communal disputes, which have
degenerated into bloody clashes. These have claimed thousands of lives, destroyed
millions of naira worth of property, and created an enormous refuges problems.

Reconciliation is achieved through dialogue between opposing parties, with a capacity
to listen to one another and a possibility for collaboration that builds up solidarity
among people. Such a process in the Nigerian context is urgent in the political,
religious, and social arena. We make special mention here about the detainees, whose

VENERABLE CYPRIAN TANSI

A CALL TO HOLINESS

A CHALLENGE TO RECONCILIATION

HEALING FOR THE NATION

It is our ardent hope and prayer that the events of the Pope’s visit and the beatification
of Venerable Cyprian Tansi will heal the nation of its many social ills. But all
Nigerians must first admit that our nation is critically ill, instead of playing the ostrich
by pretending that all is well. Prominent among the ills that afflict our nation are
unemployment, violent crime, decay in our educational system, in our educational
system, secret cults, and wide-spread corruption. In the ongoing transition
programme, Nigerians should conscientiously exercise their civic rights by electing
only those leaders who will effectively tackle these problems and work more effectively
for the common good.

THE POLITICAL ARENA

We have, in several of our communiques in the recent past, made our position clear on
the ongoing transition to civil rule programme in our country. We have not altered our
position. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to pray for our country at this critical
time. As believers in God we cannot give up hope in the power of prayer. We urge
members of Christ’s faithful not to relent in the daily recitation of the rosary, “prayer
for Nigeria in Distress,” and in observing the monthly vigil of prayer.

COME, HOLY SPIRIT

The events of the Pope’s second coming to Nigeria and the beatification of Venerable
Cyprain Tansi are occurring in the year dedicated to the Holy Spirit in our proximate
preparation for the great Jubilee of the year 2000. The Holy Spirit is the sanctifier, the
one who makes holy. Venerable Cyprain Tansi was able to live a holy life through the

inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the same Holy Spirit will
in our age inspire and guide us Nigerians to lofty heights of holiness if we but
surrender our lives and the fortunes of our land to him.

The Holy Spirit is also the agent of reconciliation and of unity. Submitting to His
inspiration and unction, Nigerians will work for the genuine reconciliation of the
various groups that are currently at loggerheads with one another. Our people will be
more accommodating of differences of ethnic groupings, shades of opinion, social,
political, economic and religious affiliations.

SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THE PAPAL’S VISIT

In view of the papal visit and the beatification of venerable Cyprian Tansi, we have
prepared a special prayer to be said daily by the faithful throughout Nigeria for the
success of these historic events. We also direct the faithful to observe a Novena of
prayers and devotions from the 11th to the 19th of March 1998 for the same purpose.
In addition, we urge the faithful and all Nigerians to read and meditate on the pastoral
letter that we have issued, titled Be Holy … Be reconciled, in preparation for the papal visit and the beatification of venerable Cyprian Tansi.

This is the season of lent, a period during which Christ’s clarion call to repentance should ring loudest in the ears of all people of goodwill. We invite all Nigerians,
Christians and non Christians alike, to embrace true repentance by giving up the
sinful ways of the past in favour of a new life of future, giving up false wisdom in
favour of the true wisdom that comes from God, which is inscribed in the well – formed
and well informed conscience.

CONCLUSION

We invoke the intercession of our mother, the Blessed virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria,
and that of our brother, Venerable Cyprain Michael Iwene Tansi, for this our nation,
which must be very dear indeed to them. May their intercession help us to purify
ourselves of the many vices that currently weigh us down as a nation.

Then shall the wilderness be fertile land

and fertile land become forest.

In the wilderness justice will come to live,
and integrity in the fertile land;

integrity will bring peace,

justice give everlasting security. (Isaiah 32: 15 – 17)

Most Rev. A. K. Obiefuna Most Rev. M. N. Okoro.

President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN

For and on behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

A COMMUNIQUE

ISSUED BY THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF NIGERIA

AT THE END OF THEIR SECOND PLENARY MEETING OF THE YEAR 1998
AT THE PASTORAL INSTITUTE, IBADAN, OYO STATE,

FROM THE 7TH TO THE 12TH SEPTEMBER

A RAY OF HOPE

PREAMBLE:

We. the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held our second
Plenary Meeting of the Year l998 at the Pastoral Institute, Ibadan, from the 7th to the 12th
of September. 1998. During the meeting, we deliberated on matters affecting the Church and
the State in Nigeria. Following our deliberations, we issue the following Communique:

THE BLESSINGS OF GOD ON OUR NATION:

We recall with gratitude to God the event of the second pastoral visit of his Holiness,
Pope John Paul II, to our country for the beatification of Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene
Tansi in March this year. That event has undoubtedly brought rich spiritual blessings to our
land, which we shall continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Recently, the nation witnessed a change in Government that has brought palpable relief to
the generality of Nigerians and friends of Nigeria within the international community. We
see this as a clear indication that the Prayer for Nigeria in Distress, which for more than five
years has ascended to the throne of God at every Mass in this country, as well as the many
supplications of well-meaning Nigerians, have been powerfully answered. Its affirmation that
“power and might are in your hands, and no one can withstand you” has been proved true.

A RAY OF HOPE:

We commend the positive steps so far taken by the present administration to address
the problems of the nation, including the release of many political prisoners and detainees.
We hope that this exercise will be carried to its logical conclusion. In spite of the scepticism
expressed by many Nigerians about the programmes of the government on account of
numerous unfulfilled promises of the past, we prefer to give this government the benefit of
the doubt and encourage the steps it has taken. To this end, we shall continue to pray for
the nation and offer advice to all Nigerians in the arduous task of moving our nation forward.

SOME IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES:

Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation:

As a result of numerous hurts arising from injustices of the past, there is an urgent need for
national reconciliation. We recall that this was the main thrust of the Holy Father’s message
during his recent visit to our country. The path to genuine reconciliation is dialogue. We
appreciate the efforts of the present administration to initiate dialogue among various
contending political groups. We appeal to government to widen its scope to include the
religious. ethical, social and economic spheres of our national life.

We publicly express our delight at the visit, on our invitation, of the representative of the
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs. They both addressed our Conference. Following the challenges of the
Holy Father and the efforts of the present government, every Nigerian should support and
promote initiatives to dialogue and reconciliation.

Transition to Democratic Rule:

We note the actions so far taken by the government towards returning the nation to a

democratically elected civilian government. These include the setting up of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), announcement of a transition time-table with a
terminal date of military rule, and release of the 1995 Draft Constitution for public debate.
We urge the government to ensure that the path of honesty, transparency, and credibility is
followed in prosecuting its transition programme. The INEC, on its own part, should
jealously guard its independence so as to ensure a credible electoral process that will usher
in a truly democratically elected government.

The Conduct of Politicians

The politicians have a crucial role to play in the transition process. They should therefore
approach the electioneering process with a high sense of responsibility and patriotism, putting the good of the people above their own personal, sectional or partisan interests.
Specifically,
they should studiously refrain from using base tribal or ethnic sentiments in canvassing for
votes.

We would like to recall here what we said in our 1983 Joint Pastoral Letter on Nigerian
Elections:

We encourage Christian laymen (and lay women) with a talent for the difficult
yet noble art of politics to prepare for it, for we believe that the sacred task
of providing food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, shelter for the
homeless. schools and hospitals for all, can be promoted through active
participation in politics: it makes them available on a large scale, through
democratic structures.

The Task of the Electorate

The electorate should exercise their civic rights responsibly by voting only for leaders who
can be expected to serve honestly and selflessly, and insist to have the leaders of their
choice. They should resist every temptation to sell their votes for money; for, as we said
in our 1983 Pastoral Letter, “It is criminal to buy or sell votes.” They should also not allow
themselves to be manipulated by those who peddle divisive, ethnic or sectional sentiments.
Furthermore, they should demand to be duly informed of all that they need to know for the
exercise of their civic duty to vote and participate in the electoral process.

Apart from successful national elections, it is necessary that all Nigerians join hands together in building and promoting a democratic culture necessary to ensure a stable democracy.

ENDURING PROBLEMS:

The nation is still plagued with the evil of corruption to an incredibly high degree.

Recent revelations of colossal financial mismanagement and outright theft by people holding public office are but a mere suggestion of the extent to which corruption has pervaded our entire national fabric. Instances of corruption be seen in the conduct of law enforcement agents who openly demand and receive gratification from members of the public, education
authorities who compromise their positions for money, civil servants who take bribes before
they perform their lawful duties, and citizens who offer bribes in order to obtain undue
favours.

Part of the fall-out of the corruption prevailing in our society is the perennial fuel scarcity
that has stifled much of social and economic activities. It is disheartening that a nation which
ranks among the highest producers of oil in the world cannot meet its own domestic needs
for the commodity. Corruption is also responsible for the gross inefficiency of basic utilities
such as water supply, electricity, roads, telephone and postal services.

Crime wave is still on the increase, despite government measures to combat it. Armed
robbery, assassinations, cultism, drug peddling, bank fraud, rape, are common occurrences.
At the same time, notwithstanding the declared policy of the present administration to respect
basic human rights, some law enforcement agents continue to intimidate and brutalise the
populace that they are paid to protect. The practice of setting up task forces of varying
descriptions should be critically reviewed in view of the fact that they themselves often
degenerate into organs of corruption, extortion and oppression. The economy is in a very
bad shape. Millions of Nigerians are still desperately poor, dejected and harassed.
Unemployment is high and increasing by the day. All too often, measures taken to improve
the economy are narrow, sectional and short-lived, thereby creating more problems than
they actually solve. For instance, the proposed wage increase will only benefit federal civil
servants. What about the millions of employees of state and local governments and the
private sector?

WHAT HAS TO BE DONE

As we indicated earlier, God has showered his blessings on cur nation beyond our hopes
and expectations. It is now binding on us to respond to these blessings by doing what we
ought in order to truly move our nation forward.

To address the evil of corruption, all Nigerians must first renounce it as a way of life. We
should then re-examine our educational policies. Moral and religious education must regain
the pride of place in our educational programmes at all levels, so that we can bring about a

profound change of attitude and orientation in our people, particularly the young. In this

_ ••. J.. • r

regard, we demand, yet again, that the government give the Church a free hand in the
education of the young by returning the schools that were forcibly taken over in the 1970s,
and providing subsidies to all approved educational establishments. This will guarantee the
constitutional right of parents to give their children an education of their choice.

There is a need to sanitise our security and law enforcement agencies. Those elements
within them that are found to be seriously wanting should be flushed out. The ones that
remain should be adequately equipped and strengthened to perform their lawful duties
effectively and efficiently. If that is done, there will no longer be any need to multiply task
forces to carry out the functions that the said agencies are meant to perform.

In the area of the economy, we are aware that investigations have already begun into
widespread allegations of large scale looting of the national treasury levelled against officials
of past administrations. This should be followed by vigorous steps to recover public funds that

might have gone into private pockets. We call on the perpetrators of such crimes against
our nation to repent of their wrongdoing and in justice make restitution of what they have
stolen. We request that the ongoing investigations be extended to alleged gross violations
of human rights by some agents of previous administrations.

The proposed wage increase should be made to include all categories of workers, both in the
public and private sectors. At the same time, measures should be put in place to ensure that
the exercise does not set off a new wave of inflation that will neutralize the benefits of the increase.

For a long time now there has been talk of diversifying the national economy, so that it does
not depend almost entirely on the oil sector. The rich agricultural sector has been grossly
neglected. Very little has so far been done in this and other spheres. The government will do well to match action with words. This will go a long way to addressing the problems of
our national economy.

CONCLUSION

We continue to rely on divine Providence which has brought us thus far to steer the ship

of our nation to a successful inauguration of the next republic and into the third millennium.

We must all now realise that no one can stand in the way of divine Providence, and hope

to get away with it. Therefore, in our prayers and all our endevours we must
seek to discern the will of God, and follow it when it is manifested. That is the one sure
way to realizing our dream of a united, peaceful, just and progressive Nigeria.

The Lord says:

…I have taken away your misfortune,

no longer need you bear the disgrace of it…

At that time I shall be your guide,

at the time when I gather you in,

I shall give you praise and renown

among all the peoples of the earth

when I restore your fortunes under your own eyes

… (Zephaniah 3:18, 20)

Most Rev. A. K. Obiefuna Most Rev. M. N. Okoro.

President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 1999 held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church. Ikeja. Lagos. from the 22^nd to the 26th February.

CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA: IMIPLICATIONS FOR NATION BUILDING

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held our first plenary meeting; for the year 1999 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos from the 22nd to the 26th February. The theme of our meeting was Corruption in Nigeria: Implications for Nation Building, Having prayed and reflected upon the theme’ in depth, we issue the following communique.

REALITY OF CORRUPTION IN NIGERlA

We are painfully aware that corruption has eaten deep into the very fabric of the Nigerian
Society. It has become so pervasive that many now accept it as the “Nigerian way of life” or
the Nigerian way of doing things. People now speak about a so-called “Nigerian factor”, when they mean corruption. The’ situation is so bad that corruption has been institutionalised to a point where it almost passes for official policy in both the public and private sectors of our national life. The socio-economic and political system itself appears to be built on corruption and thrives on it. There is even evidence that the ongoing transition to civil rule has been riddled with corruption at various stages. Even the Church and other religious organisations are themselves not completely free of corruption.

We condemn corruption in all its forms, shapes and sizes. At the same time, we commend and encourage those individuals and organisations that are fighting corruption. We urge them to continue to be beacons of hope in the midst of a Society that is weighed down with
corruption.

CAUSES OF CORRUPTION

We recognise that the causes of corruption are as many and varied as its forms. Only a few of the causes need be mentioned here. They include the cultural expectations of people. In a
bid to meet certain cultural demands, like taking a title, owning a personal house, catering for a large extended family, performing funeral rites of a deceased parent, many easily slip into corrupt practices. There is also the socio-economic dimension, where a society exalts wealth without asking how it was acquired. In such a situation, people will go out to acquire wealth by fair or foul means, knowing that no questions will be asked, and no sanctions will be incurred or applied. Poverty and the denial of access to goods and benefits of the Society, as well as the absence of social security can also cause corruption. The absence of functional or reliable infrastructure and utilities, such as electricity, water supply and telecommunication, leads many to seeking costly alternatives that are far beyond their legitimate earnings. We believe that underlining all these causes are greed and avarice.

CONSEQUENCES OF CORRUPTION ON NIGERIA

It is evident that corruption has done incalculable damage to Nigeria and Nigerians. Its effects
on the nation have been many, all of them negative. Among other things, it has bred gross
inefficiency of public institutions and eroded people’s confidence in those institutions, including government and its agencies, parastatals, security organisations, the judiciary, schools, hospitals, to name but a few. Corruption has led to diminished productivity in both the public and private sectors.

As a result of corruption, the economy has become severely distressed. Corruption has
discouraged investment in Nigeria by both foreigners and Nigerians themselves. It has fueled
the flight of capital from the country to foreign lands. As a result, unemployment has been
increasing by leaps and bounds. There has been galloping inflation, and a severe decline in the
quality of life of Nigerians. Corruption has indeed created an acute degree of poverty in
Nigeria.

Corruption has also resulted in an unprecedented lowering of moral and ethical standards. Many
people, especially the youth, now find it extremely difficult to discriminate between right and
wrong. We are aware that some individuals and corporate bodies in Nigeria have received
money from foreign agencies in order to promote the campaign for legalisation of abortion and
contraception in the country.

Corruption has given Nigeria and Nigerians a bad image in the eyes of the international
community. The fact that Nigeria was listed by Transparency International for two years
running as the most corrupt nation on earth should be a cause of great concern.

If things are allowed to continue the way they are now, corruption will eventually bring about
the death both of individual Nigerians and the nation itself, because corruption always kills,
ultimately. It destroys both its victim and its perpetrator in the long run.

THE LAW AND CORRUPTION

The Nigerian Criminal Code has copious provisions to deal with corruption in the public sector.
It spells out different types of corrupt practices that public officers tend to be involved in, and
prescribes appropriate sanctions. (See, for instance, Section 98, Cap 77, Section 404 and Section
115 of Criminal Code Act). The sad thing about Nigeria is that those provisions are routinely
flouted, and very few offenders get sanctioned. The majority go scot free, even when caught
in the act, if they are well-connected or they can bribe their way out of trouble.

ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS VALUES AND CORRUPTION

The various religious traditions have always frowned at corruption, and condemned it in no
uncertain terms. For instance, in the Old Testament of the Bible it is stated that “You will
accept no bribes, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and is the cause of the ruin of the upright.”
(Exodus 23:8) In the New Testament, John the Baptist admonished various categories of people in these words. “Exact no more than the appointed rate …. No intimidation! No extortion! Be
content with your pay!” (Luke 3:13,14)

The Second Vatican Council charged governing authorities and officials to always exercise their
offices “without thought of personal convenience and without benefit of bribery.” (Pastoral
Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, 75). His Holiness, Pope
John Paul II, while endorsing the position of the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of
Bishops. wrote: ” … the Synodal Assembly acknowledged that many of the [African] Continent’s
problems are the result of a manner of governing often stained by corruption.” (Post-Synodal
Exhortation, Ecclesia in Africa, 110)

Corruption is an affront to the dignity of the human person as presented in the Bible, in the
Tradition of Christianity, and in the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. It is an assault on the
human conscience, whose prerogative it is to discriminate between right and wrong. Corruption
is a negation of the Christian vocation to build here on earth a kingdom of justice, love and
peace.

OUR CONCERN

We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, are deeply concerned about the evil of corruption in our
nation. It was that concern that made us compose a special “Prayer against bribery and
corruption in Nigeria” at our meeting in Ibadan in September 1998. We directed that the prayer
be said during Mass in all Catholic churches throughout Nigeria. The same concern informed
our choice of the theme for this meeting.

Our concern cannot end with merely decrying the evil of corruption in our nation without
offering some guidelines for irs eradication. We are optimistic that the scourge of corruption
can be removed from our land. But it will demand a great deal of effort and a tremendous
amount of goodwill on the part of all Nigerians, the leaders as well as other citizens.

THE WAY OUT

In view of redressing the unwholesome situation, we recommend that the nation embark on a
programme of rebuilding individual and collective consciences through education, both formal
and informal. and through sustained public enlightenment, This is where moral and religious
education in churches, mosques, schools and the communications media becomes an imperative
for the very survival of the nation. Religious organisations should see it as their principal role
to inculcate the fear of God and the values of honesty, hard work, accountability and concern
for the common good in their members. The family too has an invaluable role to play here.
Parents should teach their children, by example and precept, the evils of corruption and its
consequences for them and the nation as a whole.

We recommend that the provisions of the Criminal Code aforementioned be rigorously applied
to all and sundry without fear or favour. To this end, there should be a thorough cleansing of
the law enforcement agencies, as well as a re-training and re-orientation of their members to
make them more efficient in the discharge of their duties and to see corruption for the scourge that

it is. This should be complemented with a comprehensive reform and strengthening of the
judicial system to render it too more efficient in the discharge of its responsibilities. All these
measures will ensure that those who fall foul of the provisions of the Criminal Code will be
brought to book, and appropriate- sanctions applied to them.

As a further way of discouraging corruption, we call on employers of labour, in both the public
and private sectors, to pay adequate salaries and wages to their workers. In the same vein,
payment of salaries by the government in particular should be done as and when due. There
should be an honest system of rewarding probity and accountability for workers across the
nation. By the same token, the Society should cease to confer honours on people whose source
of wealth is questionable. We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, undertook not long ago not tc
recommend people of that kind for papal honours. We reaffirm that undertaking.

We appeal to the in-coming civilian administration at all levels to make the fight against
corruption a priority in their programmes.

CALL TO PRAYER

The magnitude of corruption in Nigeria is such that it requires divine intervention to conquer
it. We therefore call on all Nigerians to join us to pray to God for its speedy eradication from
our land. We enjoin all Catholics, in particular, to continue to say the “Prayer against bribery
and corruption in Nigeria” with utmost fervour and perseverance. The Lord who answered our
“Prayer for Nigeria in Distress” will surely hear us yet again.

We are currently in the season of Lent. We Christians should use the discipline and penance
of this season to combat the evil of corruption in ourselves and in the Society.

To all Nigerians we offer the eternal counsel of Isaiah, the Prophet:

The one … who rejects bribes out of hand … will live on the heights, the craggy rocks

will be his refuge, he will be fed, he will not want for water. (Isaiah 33: 15,16)

Most Rev. A. K. Obiefuna Most Rev. M. N. Okoro.

President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 1999. held at the Sacred Heart Pastoral
Centre, Jos, from 6^th to 10^th September

SUSTAINING THE HOPE OF OUR PEOPLE INTO THE NEW MILLENNIUM

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our
second plenary meeting for the year 1999 at the Sacred Heart Pastoral Centre, Jos, from
the 6^th to the 10^th of September. Having prayerfully reflected on the state of the Church
and the nation, we issue the following communique:

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR BLESSINGS

The plenary meeting which is the: first since the inauguration of the new
democratic dispensation and on the eve of the new millennium, set before us the task of
addressing the hopes of the people at this critical point in our history. We have a lot to
thank God for. A short while ago, we held our breath with most Nigerians of good will
as we awaited the end of military rule and the ushering in of democratic rule in Nigeria.
We are beginning to see encouraging signs of a democratic environment. We thank God
for the avowed commitment of the present administration to good governance. We
commend its determination to wage relentless war against bribery and corruption. The
new administration has raised the hopes of the people for a better deal and for the
improvement of the lot of every Nigerian. This is evidenced in its solution to fuel
scarcity and in seeking to give every section of the nation a sense of belonging in Federal
appointments. The setting up of various panels to look into the misdeeds of past military
administrations gives hope of making the rulers accountable to the people for their
administration.

PROBLEMS STILL WITH US

In spite of the bold steps already taken by the new administration, Nigerians are
still faced with some disturbing problems. Insecurity of life and property continues to
escalate. The rising crime wave, violence, assassinations, ethnic, inter- and intra-
communal strifes and religious conflicts are causes for great concern. The alarming
problem of cultism in the nation’s educational institutions is only beginning to be
addressed.
On the political scene, the new democratic institutions and process are facing
teething problems. The exposure of fraudulent and criminal activities associated with
some elected lawmakers has cast doubts on the integrity of some of the elected. Even the
actions of the legislators arouse strong suspicions that some of them are out to serve their
personal interests and not the interests of the people. The acrimony in some State
legislatures and the unrealistically high demands of the legislators for personal comfort in
the face of misery and distress of the people whom they claim to represent call the right
ordering of their priorities and interests into question.

HOLD ON TO YOUR HOPE

Despite the problems and shortcomings that we still face, the hope of Nigerians
should remain unassailable. God who brought us thus far is ever with us. For this reason,
we need to reaffirm our confidence once more in our ability to face the challenges of the
democratic process. Confronted with problems and difficulties, we should not give up or
resort to violence. Rather, these should school us in patience and spur us unto dialogue
and renewal.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

To sustain the hope of the people for a free, just, egalitarian and prosperous
society, every Nigerian has obligations to fulfil. We urge everyone to think and act in
responsible ways to preserve peace and to promote the dignity of the human person. We
equally call on every citizen in this country to put the common good before the individual
or sectional interests. Citizens should imbibe the culture of hard work, diligence, honesty
and integrity. In the same vein, we encourage the culture of dialogue, mutual tolerance
and indeed acceptance, so that our diversities may function in favour of unity and social
harmony. We strongly appeal to all warring factions to lay down their arms and to seek
peace and harmony through meaningful dialogue.
The Church must continue to play her prophetic role of being the conscience of
the society, the voice of the voiceless, the facilitator of dialogue and agent of
reconciliation. In view of this role, we urge members of our flock to rid themselves of all
corrupt attitudes and practices. The government on the other hand should recognize and
acknowledge the contributions of the Church to the welfare of the people. We express our
availability to enter into partnership with the Government in those fields that touch on the
well-being of the people, such as the provision of education, health services and other
social amenities. We therefore insist on the return of all schools seized from the Church
by the government. We commend those State governments that have taken steps in this
direction.
Government has an indispensable role in buoying up the hopes of the people. The
people legitimately expect their leaders to show solidarity with them and to be at their
service. The well-being of the people is the reason for the existence of government. For
that reason, every level of government has to seriously tackle the problems in the areas of
security, employment, health, education and supply of public utilities in order to restore
and sustain the confidence of the people in the government. In the same way,
government has to translate into concrete and consistent actions its avowed stance on
transparency, accountability and good governance.

NURTURING A DEMOCRATIC CULTURE

By and large, the task ahead towards building a democratic culture is an arduous
one. It demands patience and diligent study. We are once again faced with the
challenges of true democracy after years of militarisation of the psyche and the dictatorial
tendencies of past military regimes. We expect the rule of law to be once more enthroned
and law enforcement agencies reformed, so that proper enabling environment is created for authentic democracy. Meanwhile, we urge that the Prayer Against Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria which we composed be continued at all Masses, homes and other religious gatherings.

THE GREAT JUBILEE 2000

In less than four months from now, we shall enter the third millennium. The year
2000 marks the Great Jubilee of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ to be inaugurated on the eve of Christmas. The Jubilee celebration is a profoundly significant ‘moment’ for global humanity, and especially for the universal Christian family. As Pastors, we must not fail to direct the gaze of our believing community to focus anew, and with undivided attention, on the person and mystery of Christ. “He is the image of the unseen God”(Col1: 15), the living Word ‘who became flesh and lived among us’ (Jn 1:14). He not only sustains our hope, but himself is our hope (l Tim 1: I), and by the power of his Gospel, enables us to shape a tolerant, loving and just society.
We unite ourselves in the Year of Grace with the Holy Father in the celebrations
of faith throughout the Catholic world, and especially in the city of Rome. We urge
Christ’s faithful to participate wholeheartedly in all the liturgies and celebrations at
parish, diocesan, provincial, national, and international levels. Our hope is that not only
will the contours of our hearts and personal lives be renewed, but also the peoples and
society of our beloved Nigeria, and indeed the face of the earth. For we are certain of
this:

Neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nothing already in
existence and nothing still to come, nor any power, nor the heights nor the
depths, nor any created thing whatever, will be able to come between us
and the love of God, known to us in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39).

Most. Rev. A. K. Obiefuna Most Rev. M. N. Okoro.

President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 2000, held at the St. Leo’s

Catholic Church, Ikeja, from 13^th to 18^th March, 2000

THE JUBILEE AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATON

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our first
plenary meeting for the year 2000 at the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, lkeja, from
the 13^th to the is” of March. After prayerful reflection on the Great Jubilee Year
celebration and its challenges on our country, we issue the· following
communique:

THE BLESSINGS OF OUR TIMES

We have so much to thank God for. We thank Him for blessing our land, not only
with material and human resources, but also with diverse languages and a rich
cultural heritage. We thank Him for the journey so far in our democratic process.
There are already signs of hope in the new democracy manifested in the
determination to deal with corruption, alleviate poverty, and right the wrongs
done to the oil-producing communities. We also acknowledge among the positive
signs of our times the tremendous enthusiasm of our people for genuine religion.
Above all, we thank God for leading us into this Great Jubilee Year.

JUBILEE – YEAR OF GOD’S FAVOUR

This year 2000 marks two millennia since the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, whose coming into the world changed the destiny of humankind and
history. In this Great Jubilee Year, the Church invites all men and women of good
will to share her joy and express gratitude for the gift of God’s love in Jesus
Christ. Jubilee year in the Old Testament was marked by the freeing of slaves,
the remission of debts, the protection of the weak, as well as the restoration of
equality among all people (cf Leviticus 25:8ff). In the New Testament, Jesus
announces the year of God’s favour, full of mercy and love (cf Luke 4: 19). By his
death and resurrection, he saved us from sin and evil. Reconciling all humankind
to God and to one another, he inaugurated a new era of peace and social justice.
The Jubilee Year is, therefore, a year of grace, when new paths to peace and
progress are to be created through forgiveness and reconciliation.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

The need for national reconciliation is borne out by events that are occurring in
our country. Deep wounds and hurts exist in the hearts of many citizens of our
nation, some of which have lasted for decades and are passed on gradually to
younger generations. These young people are unfortunately being employed as
agents of violence and destruction. The painful hurts manifest themselves occasionally in forms of uprising, anarchy, arson, murder, inter-communal
conflicts, and other acts of violence which make life insecure and tarnish the
image of our country. We call on all Nigerians to take full -advantage of this
Jubilee Year to work for reconciliation. This will entail a purification of memory
through a frank admission of the evils perpetrated against one another and a
sincere request for pardon. This will lay the foundation for honest discussion and
strong reaffirmation of the basis of our unity as a nation. It has to be said,
however, that true reconciliation requires works of justice to support the process,
and dialogue as its means.

SOME PERSISTING GAPS IN OUR SOCIETY

There are yawning gaps within our nation that give rise to conflict. There is an
enduring gap between the rich and the poor. There is a developing gulf between
the elected officials and the people. What of the gap between the energy an
average worker expends and the wages he or she receives? It would seem that
in Nigeria, it is not so much what you know or how hard you work that counts, but
rather whom you know, and with whom you are connected. There are still
instances of widespread child abuse and discrimination against women. We
should also mention the gap between ethnic groups that engender suspicions
and fears. There are also serious cases of conflict among various religious
groups, arising not from religion itself, but abuse of religion for their selfish
agenda. We urge Nigerians, as individuals and groups, to address these issues
urgently for an enduring peace to reign in our land.

THE GAP BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR

The gap between the rich and the poor has continued to widen. Street beggars
are increasing, while joblessness and homelessness no longer make news.
while civil, servants and teachers receive poor salaries, which are often late in
coming, elected officials vote themselves special appropriations, allowances, and
other benefits. While the majority of Nigerians are hungry, a few are wallowing in
scandalous affluence. There is an apparent reluctance to bring every citizen on
board on a very fundamental issue like just wage, family wage, living wage.

In exercising our prophetic role, we cannot but denounce the injustices that
create the gulfs, splits and imbalances in our society. We acknowledge the
efforts of the Federal Government towards poverty alleviation as a step in the
right direction. We call for judicious management at all levels of the nation’s
resources. We advocate for the cancellation by rich nations of debts owed by
poor nations, including Nigeria. We appeal to every wealthy Nigerian to heed the
cry of the poor and the marginalised in our midst, alleviate their plight by sharing
with them in the spirit of solidarity. For, God’s bounty is not meant for the
individual alone, but for the development of all (cf John Paul II, Tenia Millennia
Adveniente, 13).

THE GAP BETWEEN THE POLITICIANS AND THE PEOPLE

Notwithstanding the ‘Contract with Nigeria’ launched with fanfare by the House of
Representatives, the output of the National Assembly falls short of seriously
addressing the multifarious problems that plague the nation. How does one
justify the delay in passing the anti-corruption bill, Niger-Delta bill, and
appropriation bill for the year 2000? This may be a demonstration of how distant
the legislators are from the people. We call on the legislators to show greater
commitment to the task of enacting timely laws to meet the needs and
aspirations of the people.

THE ISSUE OF SHARIA

The issue of the Sharia and its place in the Constitution of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria has continued to be a source of serious conflict. The recent attempts in
some states to extend the scope of the Sharia Legal System has led to violence
in Kaduna, Aba, and other parts of Nigeria, which claimed the· lives of thousands
of Nigerians and destroyed property worth millions of Naira. We wish to express
our heartfelt sympathy with the victims of the unfortunate incidents. We ask God
to grant eternal repose to those who lost their lives and comfort to the bereaved.
We condemn the use of violence as a solution to any problem; for violence
always begets violence. As Christians, we reject revenge and insist on
forgiveness and forbearance, while upholding legitimate self-defence in the face
of unjust aggression.

On this matter we have already made our views known in two recent documents;
namely, A Memorandum to the Head of State, President Olusegun Obasanjo of
October 20, 1999 and A Statement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference Of
Nigeria on the Disturbances caused by the “Sharia Controversy” of February 28,
2000. We would like to restate our position.

We are committed to one Nigeria, where persons of different religious and ethnic
traditions can live together in peace and harmony. We do not countenance the
breakup of Nigeria, neither are we in favour of the split of Nigeria into different
pockets, where one state lives under the constitution and a neighbouring state
lives under another law.

The advocates of Sharia Law base their demand on two premises; namely.’

that people should live according to God’s will in their private lives,
and that this should be reflected in the public laws as far as possible.

We Christians subscribe to the same premises. They are not the exclusive
preserve of Muslims. At the same time, we believe that all that is required is that
our laws should give enough room for everyone, Christians, Muslims and others
to follow their consciences in searching for and carrying out God’s will in their lives. To ensure a permanent solution to all these problems, we are convinced
that Nigeria will now have to review our Constitution along these lines. There
should no longer be room for special provisions for any religion within our
Constitution.

We support the efforts being made so far by Government to lessen tension. In
particular, we endorse the decision of the National Council of States that those
states which have recently enacted Sharia laws should suspend such laws and
revert to the status quo ante. We consider this an interim measure, while we look
forward to a definitive and final solution to the problem.

Our opposition to Sharia legislations in our country does not in any way diminish
our respect for Islam and its adherents. On the contrary, we rejoice in and shall
continue to promote the overall good relationships existing between Christians
and Muslims in Nigeria. We therefore once again address the need for
strengthening organs of inter-religious dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
Government, on its part, whether federal or state, should desist from favouring
one religion over others, for example, in matters like pilgrimages, building of
places of worship, access to public media, religious instruction in schools, etc.
Politicians too should refrain from playing on people’s religious sentiments in
canvassing for support, knowing how this can easily erupt into violence. We
strongly urge Nigerians to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be exploited in
this way.

DIALOGUE PROVIDES THE WAY,

Most of the problems causing conflicts in the nation can be prevented, and what
has gone wrong put right, if there is a commitment to dialogue. Authentic
democracy entails a culture of dialogue. For us Christians, Jesus the Son of God
established the eternal dialogue between God and man and united himself in
some sense with every human being. He, thus, provides the basis for us
Christians to dialogue with others. Consequently, we cannot but prefer dialogue
to violence, and propose it as the way to collaboration, harmony, solidarity, and
unity. We, the Bishops of Nigeria, are convinced that our country should remain
one, and urge the Government and the governed to make every Nigerian feel at
home and have full right of citizenship everywhere in Nigeria. The need for a
forum of dialogue and negotiation as aid to national reconciliation is here
highlighted.

LENTEN SEASON AND RENEWAL

The season of Lent in this Jubilee .year calls all the Christians to turn away from
sin and to return to God. Sin, whether of selfishness, avarice, pride or lust,
breeds division and catastrophy. Apart from individual sin are social sins, that
may take the form of silence and compromise, commission or omission. As a
nation, we have corporate sins to repent of.

The jubilee is a year for remission of sins and of the punishment due to them. In

the spirit of the Great Jubilee, we plead for clemency and amnesty for prisoners
and detainees in our land. Christians are called during this Lent to renew
themselves through prayer, penance and good works, and make reparations for
personal and collective sins. In view of this, we, the Bishops of Nigeria, hereby
declare Friday, 31st of March, 2000, a Day of Penance, Reparation and
Reconciliation for the nation.

At this meeting, elections were held for new officers of the conference, as
follows:

President

– Most Revd John Onaiyekan (Archbishop of Abuja)

Vice President – Most Revd Felix Job (Archbishop of Ibadan)

Secretary

– Most Revd Joseph Ajomo (Bishop of Lokoja)

Ass. Secretary – Most Revd Lucius Ugorji (Bishop of Umuahia)

Since the Great Jubilee celebrates the outward manifestation of God’s love in
Jesus Christ, we urge every Christian to live out his or her faith by practising
charity and seeing everyone as brothers and sisters. For, as Pope John Paul II
said, “When we see others brothers and sisters, it is then possible to begin.
process of healing the divisions within society and between ethnic groups”
(Homily at Oba during tile Beatification Mass of Blessed Michael Cyprian Iwene
Tansi).

Under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria, we entrust
ourselves and our country, interceding for the grace of reconciliation. Amen.

Most. Rev. A. K. Obiefuna Most Rev. M. N. Okoro.

President, CBCN Secretary, CBCN

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting

of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

for the Year 2000, Held at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna,
from the 11^th to 15^th September 2000.

LET US LIVE AND WORK TOGETHER IN PEACE AND HARMONY

PREAM BLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held our second plenary
meeting for the year 2000 at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna, from the 11^th to 15^th
September 2000. After prayerful deliberation on matters affecting the Church and State in
our nation, we issue the following communique.

GRATITUDE TO GOD

We thank God for the Great Jubilee Year that has offered us a unique opportunity for mutual
forgiveness of injuries, reconciliation, restoration and healing. We thank Him also that we
have witnessed one full year of democracy, after long years of military dictatorship. We pray
that the gains so far achieved will be consolidated in the years to come.

ONE NATION – ONE CONSTITUTION – ONE JUDICIARY

We wish to reaffirm our belief in and commitment to Nigeria as one nation under one God
who cares for every Nigerian, irrespective of religion, ethnic origin or language. By the same
token, we reaffirm our commitment to one national Constitution to safeguard our human and
social rights and to one judiciary to defend every Nigerian against any assault on his or her
person and rights. We must however call attention to certain dangers that threaten our
nascent democracy as well as our unity, peace and stability as a nation.

THE SHARIA

Notwithstanding the unfortunate bloody crisis in Kaduna early this year, that claimed many
innocent lives of Christians and Muslims alike, some states in the North have adopted, while
others are still bent on adopting the Sharia legal system as state criminal law. When the
Sharia controversy first started, we gave adequate warning and made our position clear. We
were told that there was nothing to worry about; that the Shari a would not affect non-
Muslims, and that their rights under the Constitution would be fully guaranteed. Now, from
reports reaching us and from what we have been able to observe, it is sad to have to say that
our original fears were well founded. The reality on the ground in the states that have
adopted the Sharia shows clearly that non-Muslims are being negatively and unjustly
affected. They are being unjustly deprived of their legitimate means of livelihood. Fanatics
are being encouraged to molest law- abiding citizens without cause.

Under the prevailing circumstances, freedom to practice and propagate one’s faith, guaranteed
in our Constitution, is being progressively eroded. The right of citizens to change their
religion is often denied. In many cases Christian bodies are denied land on which to build
places of worship. They are also often denied access to the use of media of communication
owned by state governments. The civil authorities of the states involved cannot claim
ignorance of what is going on. No one is deceived by utterly empty statements of useless
assurances. The Federal Government says it is all politics and that it will soon blow over.
May be! But meanwhile, there are Nigerians suffering and wondering if the state is interested

in the welfare of all citizens. We cannot continue along these lines and still pretend that we want a united,

peaceful and prosperous nation.

As a way out of the present crisis, we would like to restate what we said in our Communique

at the end of our First Plenary Meeting of the year 2000:

We are committed to one Nigeria, where persons of different religious and ethnic
traditions can live together in peace and harmony. We do not countenance the break
up of Nigeria, neither are we in favour of the split of Nigeria into different pockets,
where one state lives under the Constitution and a neighbouring state lives under
another law.

The advocates of Sharia Law base their demand on two premises; namely,

that people should live according to God’s will in their private lives,
and that this should be reflected in the public laws as far as possible

We Christians subscribe to the same premises. They are not the exclusive preserve
of Muslims. At the same time, we believe that all that is required is that our laws
should give enough room for everyone, Christians, Muslims and others to follow
their consciences in searching for and carrying out God’s will in their lives. To
ensure a permanent solution to all these problems, we are convinced that Nigeria will
now have to review our Constitution along these lines. There should no longer be
room for special provisions for any religion within our Constitution.

We call on Government to address the Sharia issue with the seriousness and sense of urgency
that it deserves with a view to finding solutions that will bring the nation back to unity and
harmony. Government should desist from favouring one religion over others. Politicians too
should refrain from using religion to further their political ambitions and sectional interests,
knowing how this can easily divide the people and erupt into violence. The people, on their
part, should be vigilant and refuse to be used as tools for the prosecution of the selfish agenda
of unscrupulous politicians and other agents of destabilisation.

Meanwhile, we support the initiatives of dialogue already going on between Christians and
Muslims at state and national levels, with particular reference to the Nigerian Inter-Religious
Council (NIREC). However, we propose that NIREC be given a new sense of direction that
will render it more functional in dealing with the complex issues affecting inter-religious
dialogue and harmony in our country. In this connection, we are happy to have received a
courtesy visit during our meeting a delegation of the Committee of Ulamas of Kaduna State
under the leadership of Alhaji Muhammad Baba Yan Gusau. We commend this friendly and
cordial gesture.

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

The fact that government and the political class have so far failed to deal decisively with the
Sharia issue is one indication, among many, that our new-found democracy needs very much
to be strengthened. To begin with, the ongoing review of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria should aim at removing the many inconsistencies and ambiguities that
give room for conflicting interpretations of its provisions. There is a need to return the nation
to the practice of true federalism, as against the unitary and arbitrary form of government that
was foisted on us by the military. The incessant bickering between the executive and
legislative arms of government over their respective roles is anything but edifying. It
dissipates the energies of government in tackling the many pressing problems of the nation.

The civil service should be returned to its pristine status of independence from the political
establishment so as to ensure continuity in the conduct of government business, irrespective

of what political party is in power at any given time. .

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

The enactment of an anti-corruption law by the Federal Government is in line with our
“Prayer Against Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria.” We urge that the law be applied without
fear or favour. In the words of President Olusegun Obasanjo, there should be no sacred
cows. Anyone found guilty of infringing the law should be brought to book, no matter how
highly placed he or she may be in the society. In the same vein, we commend the efforts of
the government at tracking down the staggering sums of money that were stolen from our
national treasury and stashed away in banks at home and abroad. Such funds should be
recovered and put back into our national treasury for the benefit of all Nigerians. They
should not be allowed to disappear yet again into private accounts. Furthermore, we call on
Western financial institutions to stop the corrupt practice of co-operating with fraudulent
public servants who loot public coffers by accepting stolen money for safe keeping in their
banks.

NATIONAL JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE

As part of our effort to call down divine mercy and blessing on our nation in this Great
Jubilee Year in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, we invite all Nigerians to a National Jubilee
Pilgrimage at our nation’s capital, Abuja from the 30^th of November to the 2^nd of December
2000. The venue will be the Pope John Paul II Praying Ground, Kubwa – Abuja. The theme
of the pilgrimage is “We Jubilate in Jesus Christ our Saviour.”

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

We call on all Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and God-fearing, while at the same
time standing up for their rights. It is our firm belief that, with God on our side, we shall
achieve national unity, peace and stability. But we must be vigilant at all times. We must
guard our hard-won democracy jealously and resist any and every attempt from whatever
quarters to sacrifice it on the altar of ethnic chauvinism or religious extremism. As we have
often been told, and rightly so, Nigeria is greater than any of us. Therefore, no personal
ambitions or sectional interests must be allowed to come between us and the continued
existence of our nation as one corporate and undivided entity.

Look, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,

Your ramparts are ever before me,

Your rebuilders are hurrying,

Your destroyers and despoilers will soon go away.

Isaiah 49:16

Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria, pray for us!

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN
Archbishop of Abuja

+ Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of

Lokoja

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 2001, held at the Pope John Paul II
Catholic Centre, Abuja, from 5^th to 10^th March, 2001.

BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM OF JUSTICE AND PEACE

PREABLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the
year 2001 at the Pope John Pnul ll Catholic Centre. Abuja. from the 5′” to 10′” March 200I, The theme
of our Conference was Building God’s Kingdom of Justice and Peace. After prayerful deliberation on
matters affecting the Church and society in our nation, we issue the following communique

VISION OF THE KINGDOM

“I have observed the misery of the people. l have heard their cry. indeed l know their sufferings. I have
come down to deliver them” (Exodus J: 7 -X). We, the Cathol ic Bishops or Nigeria see and share in the
misery of the people of Nigeria. We know their sufferings. We svmpathizc with their cries that often go
unheard. In response to the cry of the people and the call of the Lord, we pledge our efforts and energy
to “bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and to the blind new sight, to set downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour” (Lk. 4:18-19).

The building or the Kingdom or Justice and Peace is the commission and mandate Jesus let for us his
followers. This mission calls for conversion on the personal level. a spiritual revolution in our behaviour
and attitude to life. II also calls for a response at the social level, challenging us to play our part to ensure
that truth and justice prevail so that our society will live in peace and tranquility.

OUR BLESSINGS

We thank God for the opportunity to celebrate the Great Jubilee Year 2000 at local and national levels. It
was a Year of Grace, rich with the Lord’s blessings for the entire world, and for us in Nigeria. We have
experienced signs of forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration. We thank God that we are now in our
second year or civil rule. The nation is witnessing a certain degree or civil liberties, freedom or assembly and
freedom of expression. Our relationship with the nations or the world has improved. We are grateful to
God that we have not been victims of natural disasters. Such as earthquakes and devastating floods. We
have been spared the armed conflicts ravaging several African nations.

CONTER-SIGNS TO THE KINGDOM

While we thank God for his goodness, we cannot pretend that all is well. What we witness every day
in the lives or Nigerians is far from the kingdom of God. We see that government is failing to live up to its
first duty to ensure the safety or life and property of its citizenry. Armed robbers continue to threaten our
possessions and indeed our lives. People are turning to unacceptable violent vigilante solutions because
the official Security Agencies remain ineffective and unable to prevent respond adequately to

Criminal activities.

Many Nigerians feel that their right are being infringed Upon where the Sharia law has been imposed as
state law. Because of Sharia law, thousands have been forced to relocate from their places or abode and
work at great cost and loss to themselves. “Many others. indigenes of these states, have now here to relocate to. Others suffer in silence because they are too poor to relocate or powerless to seek, legal redress. We regard this imposition of Sharia law as state law grossly irresponsible and unacceptable.

We suffer from the persistent and increasing fuel crisis and wonder why government cannot improve this
situation. In the discussions concerning the de-regulation of the oil industry, we must consider the poor.
and ask how this will affect their lives. already impoverished and suffering from unending inflation. In
spite of promises and assurances, we experience longer and more frequent power outages. and we are
shocked that one solution the government offers is to impose a tax on the importation of generators,

We see the government at all levels dissipating scarce resources on expensive projects that do not directly
improve the lives of the people. At the same time, so many salaries and pensions arc months in arrears,
with the excuse that there is no money.

A CRUCIAL TIME IN OUR HISTORY

Democratic rule was re-introduced two years ago. It is being tried, and we believe, sad to say, tt IS not

living up to our hopes and expectations. We see many members of the political class, at federal, state, and
local levels, looking not to the needs, even the most basic needs of the people, but spending time and money
looking only to how they can be re-elected two years from now. It is surely a sign of a democracy which .is deficient.

We experience the evils of corruption, and we read about them. Going by the admission of the Head of
State to us in his message that “Corruption continues unabated in our country,” government seems
powerless to stern this tidal wave, a wave which we believe originates in the halls of government itself.

We continue to demand as a matter of justice the return of Church schools to the Churches. However,
throughout this discussion we have continued to witness the deterioration of these schools, with attendant
decay of moral standards among our children.

We hear the cries of women, desperate to survive and in the process, sold and entrapped in sexual slavery
here and abroad. We are appalled at learning that over 15,000 Nigerian women live in forced prostitution
in Italy alone. We see an increasing number of persons suffering and dying from HIV I AIDS, and the major

solution offered is the use of condoms. This solution is not only unsafe, it is also counterproductive. It
encourages sexual promiscuity and is morally unacceptable. We hear calls for the legalization of abortion.
calls not to protect, safeguard and share human life, but to destroy it.

CAUSES OF THE PRESENT SITUATION

Several factors are responsible for the current situation. Some go back to the historical foundations of the

nation, and others have arisen more recently, Prominent among them arc the following:

Power has been taken away from the people, and put into the hands of an elite. The voice of the people is
no longer heard in the halls of government and the people have become numbed and passive. One reason
for this is that people do not have a proper understanding of the personality and responsibility of the
officials they elect in supposedly free and fair elections. As a result, many elected officials are not
accountable and have no sense of service to those who elected them. Small blocks of persons. either in
government or connected with government, selfishly seem to obstruct what the people want. .

The crushing poverty and ignorance of the people have left them vulnerable to manipulation by
unscrupulous and self-seeking politicians, and other persons or groups who exploit them. The people
themselves appear complacent and passive, unwilling to face the challenges of nation building.

We perceive an imbalance in the power structure in the land, Hence many agitate for a review of the
existing structure of Nigeria and the return of power to the people.

BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF JUSTICE AND PEACE

In his message to our Conference, President Obasanjo, realizing the depth of the problems of corruption,
violence and disunity stated: ‘The nation is knocking at the door of the Church for peace and harmony
at this midnight hour. Rise up and meet our need.” In response to this plea we will continue to play an
increasingly active and important role as a positive element within the Nigerian society.

We direct every parish to begin a programme of basic education in the civic rights and responsibilities
of its members, especially through the Justice, Development and Peace Committees. If one does not know
his or her rights, it is all too easy for government and others to take them away. In addition, we commit
ourselves to a nation-wide programme of education on the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church

We ask Nigerians to scrutinize and publicly call to task elected officials, law enforcement agents. civil
servants,” and those in business, whose public service does not live up to the demands of probity. In a
special way, we expect Catholic faithful in public and private life, to live up to the standards of the Gospel and the values of the Kingdom. Similarly, we enjoin our members to say a clear and definite “No” to any public official who refuses to behave responsibly. This should be done peacefully and non-violently. but firmly.

In the effort to bring about a more democratic climate and build national unity on the basis of a true
federalism, a national conference may prove helpful. Such a conference will succeed only if it is
representative of all the people, from all parts or Nigeria, men and women, rich and poor, and not another
assembly of leaders who have already tried and failed to rebuild the nation. We are convinced that true
federalism would recognize diversity in unity, the right of every Nigerian to reside and work in any and
every part of Nigeria. It would also guarantee the genuine federal character in all organs and institutions
of government, especially the judiciary, the military, the police and the civil service,

SIGNS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

We commit ourselves to be signs of God’s Kingdom of justice and peace. We will endeavour to model
what we wish for Nigeria, namely communities of unity and peace, where the gifts, voices, talents, hopes,
and aspirations of the people are listened to. In the Church and in civil society, there must be no first,
second, or third class members or citizens. Discrimination based on gender, ethnic origin, religion, or
cultural prejudices is a violation of fundamental human rights.

We will collaborate with governments here and abroad, and with security officials in freeing women who are enslaved in sex exploitation overseas and returning them to their homes. In pursuit of this, we
encourage our faithful towards effective collaboration with existing national networks of Church societies, NGO’s. and other established organizations. We support the efforts of the Nigeria Conference of Women Religious in spearheading this campaign. We on our part will soon issue a Pastoral Letter on this issue.

Human life originates from God, is sacred and as such must be loved, respected and protected from
conception to natural death. God alone gives life and God alone can take it. Abortion is against the law of God. Thus we say “No” and will continue to say “No” to abortion. We will do so with our voices, our votes, and our feel. We endorse the actions so far taken by the Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria. and other organizations in this regard.

In the light of the lack of progress and the ineffectiveness of government initiatives at national, state, and local levels, we will intensify our efforts at providing basic health and social services, and the building and improvement of schools. At the same time, we continue to insist that government has the responsibility to provide basic education, health and other social services to the entire citizenry. We also commend the gesture of those states that have already returned schools and hospitals to their owners and urge others to do likewise.

We will expand our programmes of HIVIAIDS awareness to stem this pandemic, and through sermons and pastoral letters, instil in our people a compassionate response to those suffering from this condition. In
place of a condom mentality, we advocate a return to God’s plan for human sexuality which demands pre-
marital continence and fidelity in marriage.

The path to the Kingdom of Justice and Peace will demand sacrifice. Self-interest must yield to self-
sacrifice and labour for the common good. We must renounce altitudes of greed and accumulation in
favour of a commitment to meet basic needs. Nigerians should be ready to take up this challenge.

In all of this we do not work alone. We are willing to collaborate with others who share our ideals and
our vision of the Kingdom. In particular we stretch out a hand of cooperation to government at local, state,
and national levels.

CONCLUSION

We believe with the prophet Ezekiel that the dry bones will live (Ezekiel 37)! We also believe with the
prophet Jonah that even Nineveh, that great city, changed its ways and turned to the Lord in repentance
(Jonah 3). We remain a people of hope especially as we continue to renew ourselves, heart and mind, during
this holy season of Lent.

Pope John Paul II urges us at the beginning of the New Millennium:

Let us go forward in hope. A new millennium is opening before the Church like a vast ocean
upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ. The Son of God who became incarnate
two thousand years ago out of love for humanity, is at work even today: we need discerning eyes
to see this, and above all, a generous heart to become instruments of his work

(No, 58, Novo Millennio Incunte,January 6^th, 2001).

Even “at this midnight hour” it is not too late for Nigeria. Nigeria has the people, the resources, and the
talents to do what needs to be done. Through the intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace and Queen of
Nigeria, we continue to pray that Almighty God, whom most Nigerians acknowledge as the Lord of
history, will sustain our efforts in building God’s Kingdom of Justice and Peace.

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN + Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of Lokoja

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 2001, held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church,

Ikeja, Lagos from the 10^th to 14^th September 2001.

TOWARDS A JUST AND PEACEFUL SOCIETY

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria., held our Second Plenary
Meeting for the year 2001 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, lkeja Lagos, from the 10^th to 14^th

‘ ~ “-

September 200I. Having prayerfully reflected on a number of happenings currently

threatening the peace and progress of our country, we issue the following communique:

CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS

We continue to thank God for the return of our nation to a democratic system of government.
We are happy at the emerging signs of a democratic culture, such as manifested in freedom
of association and of expression on the part or Nigerians. We commend the effort of the
Human Rights Violation investigation Commission in exposing past misdeeds and seeking
to heal the wounds arising therefrom, as well as reconcile individuals and groups in the
polity. We welcome the setting up of the Niger Delta Development Commission to ensure
peace, security, and development of the region. We also note a growing improvement in our
international relations. We commend the efforts of some State governments in returning to their rightful owners the schools that were forcefully taken over.

The above notwithstanding, we are disturbed at recent cases of inter-religious and/or inter-
ethnic violence in various parts of the country, especially in Bauchi, Kano, Nassarawa, and
Plateau States. Added to the new eruption of violence are the politically-motivated
upheavals in some Southern States. We sympathize with the victims of these civil
disturbances.

In some areas, security of lives and properly can no longer be guaranteed. as armed robber
and other ‘hoodlums hold the citizens hostage. Given the failure of the law enforcement
agencies and the judiciary to effectively deal with rising crimes and other social problems
vigilante groups emerge which often use morally objectionable methods to redress wrongs.

THE PERSISTENT SHARIA QUESTION

We are particularly concerned about the persistence of Sharia-related politics in the country.

The adoption of the Sharia by some states in Nigeria has continued to create a situation of
unrest in which people are killed and maimed and thousands of others are displaced from
their homes and places of work. As we noted in our communique after our First Plenary
Meeting in Abuja in March this year, many indigenes of the states concerned continue to
suffer in silence because they cannot defend their rights and have nowhere to relocate to.

We have repeatedly warned that the adoption of the Shari, as state law and extension of its
scope are a flagrant violation of human rights of non-muslims in a multi-religious society and
a secular state like Nigeria. We consider it an act of gross irresponsibility on the part of some
officials – who are elected to defend the constitutional rights or every Nigerian to live
anywhere without being discriminated against on the basis of religion or ethnicity – to use
religion as a tool to advance their selfish interests and to foment violence among people. We
urge all our leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could further
aggravate the situation of unrest in Nigeria.

We have warned earlier that the adoption or the Sharia as State law would infringe on the
rights of non-muslims; the reality on the ground has proved us right. We are shocked that
the various arms of Government at Federal and State levels have remained indifferent to this
problem which could bring disastrous consequences on our nation. It is wishful thinking for
government to continue to believe that the Sharia problem will fizzle out with time. We warn
that it is too costly to create a situation in which the destiny of this nation is left in the hands
of fanatics. be they religious or political. Given the explosive nature of religious conflicts
as evidenced in other parts or the world, we demand that the Federal Government act
decisively to uphold and defend the legitimate constitutional rights of all Nigerians.

SOME UNDERLYING FACTORS

We see a link between the present violence and unrest in the country and the high rate of
injustice and corruption that have become systemic. This evil system has given rise to a
generation of a largely corrupt, inept and selfish class of political leaders and public officials.
In a country like Nigeria that is endowed with rich human and natural resources, “many of
our people are hungry, sick, ignorant and defenseless” (Prayer Against Bribery and
Corruption in Nigeria). The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. Some
people resort to violence and intimidation as means of getting their share of the resources of
the nation and access to power. The Sharia now seems to add to the factors that are exploited
by these power-mongers. We feel for the poor who are usually the victims in the recurrent
conflicts in our country. Our Conference cannot remain indifferent to the plight of these victims.

CALL TO ACTION

We recommit ourselves to support the present democratic dispensation by insisting on the
secularity of the Nigerian state which guarantees the right of every Nigerian to hold and
practise his or her religion anywhere without molestation. We shall be more proactive and
will use every legitimate means to prevent the imposition or Sharia on non-rnuslims
anywhere and for no reason. We condemn any attempt to politicize religion at the expense
or tackling the main issues affecting the socio-economic development of the nation. We
continue to insist on one constitution, one legal system, and one judicial system for every
Nigeria.

We totally condemn the use violence in all its forms by adherents of every religious or
ethnic group. For no destruction of human life can be justified in the name of religion. As
an alternative to the use of violence as a means settling issues in Nigeria and other parts
of the world, we continue to propose dialogue, forgiveness, anti reconciliation. Out it should
be quite clear that if we want lasting peace, we must work for justice. Peace is indivisible:
either there is peace for everyone or there is no peace at all. Therefore, the Government
should ensure that there is peace for every Nigerian. In this connection, we urge the Niger
Delta Development Commission to carry out its mandate with integrity, probity,
accountability and transparency.

We shall continue on our own and in collaboration with other Christian bodies to seek
dialogue with the Muslim leaders and communities. We are ready to offer our services as
agents of reconciliation between groups in conflict with one another in our country. We call
on Christians involved in whatever form of violence to repent and return to Jesus Christ. the
Prince of Peace. We invite the leaders of Muslim religion to call on their fellow muslims
who are involved in violence to return to Allah and to embrace the true tenet of Islam which
literally means peace.

We thank all charitable organizations and well-meaning individuals who in various ways
have assisted victims or inter-religious or inter-ethnic strifes in Nigeria. We again direct
every Catholic parish in Nigeria to promote the basic education in civic rights and other
Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as embark on programmes which will
improve the people’s condition of living and awaken their civic responsibility.

At this juncture, we commend the efforts of our Justice, Development and Peace Department
which through their grass-root political education seek to empower the people to elect only
just and honest officials, as well as demand accountability from them for their stewardship.

TERRORISM IN AMERICA

We know that incidents of violence are not limited to Nigeria. Even as our meeting was going on, we learnt of the

horrendous attacks in the United States of America, in which
thousands or defenceless people lost their lives. We condemn unequivocally this abhorrent
act of unjustifiable terrorism. We sympathize with those who have suffered bereavement,
injuries and heavy losses. We pray for the repose of the souls of the victims.

CONCLUSION

Sharing in the hopes of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, for the new millennium, we will
continue to cast our net into the deep for a catch (cf. In. 21:6), in the belief that God who
brought us through the years of dictatorship will see us through the present uncertainties. But
we must watch and pray and never lose heart (Lk. 18: I). May Our Lady Queen of Peace and
Queen of Nigeria intercede for us. Amen.

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN + Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of Lokoja

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 2002, held at the Pope John
Paul II Catholic Centre, Abuja, from 18^th to 22^nd February 2002

HEALING THE WOUNDS OF THE NATION

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary
Meeting for the year 2002 at the Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre, Abuja, from the 18^th to
22^nd February, 2002. The theme of our Conference was Healing the Wounds of the Nation.
After prayerful deliberation on matters affecting the Church and society in our nation, we
issue the following communiqué.

OUR BLESSINGS

God has been kind to our nation. He has blessed us with wonderful climate and abundant
natural and human resources. He has blessed our nation with wonderful people, resilient,
hard-working, and joyful. Our people are deeply religious and God-fearing. Our ethnic and
cultural diversity’ is a blessing yet to be fully realized. The hunger of our people for true
democracy has never been stronger, as was demonstrated recently in the opposition to the
unfair and unjust provisions of the electoral law. The Human Rights Violation Investigation
Commission (Oputa Panel), the first such body in the history of Nigeria, has increased the
demand for accountability of public officials past and present. Our role and responsibility
among the nations of Africa have been recognized, and our image among the nations of the
world has improved. We have seen generous and selfless responses from our citizens to the
various national emergencies and crises. In addition, there has been noticeable progress in
infrastructural development and provision of social services. This can be seen in the
improvement of roads, in more constant supply of fuel, the granting of radio and television
licenses to private owners, and the return of schools to the Church in some states.

OUR WOUNDS

These and other blessings do not, however, prevent us from taking a hard look at the many
wounds – mostly of our own making – that fester in us and in our nation. These wounds are
glaring, and we call attention to some of them under the following categories: physical,
psychological/emotional, socio-political, economic, and spiritual/moral.

Physical: Many Nigerians are literally nursing physical wounds as a result of inter-communal
and religious conflicts, bomb explosions in Lagos, armed robbery, outbreaks of fire, and road
accidents. The AIDS pandemic decimates the Nigerian population and brings untold pain and
sorrow to individuals and families. Some, indeed thousands, are no longer nursing wounds:
they have died and are buried. May the Lord grant them eternal rest. We share in the agony
of those who have suffered, and continue to extend a hand to those who are most in need of
help.

Our fertile land and environment are being severely wounded. Rivers and streams are
polluted, fish die, forests are despoiled, desertification spreads south. Refuse litters our streets

because waste disposal services arc practically non-existent. Oil spills and gas flares pollute
and poison the environment in the Delta Region.

Psychological/emotional: A pervasive sense of insecurity breeds fear that leads to violent
reactions in place of dialogue and reconciliation. The value of human life has been eroded
and violence is often seen as the solution to problems. For the majority of our people, unmet
needs, broken promises, unfulfilled expectations, and frustration with the democratic process
becloud the horizon. In this atmosphere, lack of trust and mutual suspicion increase the
credence given to rumours and the polarization of ethnic and religious groups.

Socio-political: Religion and ethnicity have been used and abused to achieve selfish,
political ends. The Sharia problems has led in many cases to political, social, and personal
violence. There is not only the temptation, but the reality of leaders, sometimes with the
cooperation of the media, telling bare-faced lies to the people. The very identity and full
citizenship rights of the Nigerian are denied when there is discrimination based upon state of
origin, notwithstanding long domicile in a particular state. Vicious infighting within political
parties has led to struggles for power that sometimes result in assassination. Those in power
seem to be prepared to do everything imaginable to hold on to power till death. The situation
is worsened by the recruitment and maintenance of private armies, even by some political
office holders.

Economic: Corruption and the mismanagement of resources affect everyone in one way or
another, but the poor and weak pay the highest price. We continue to embark on prestigious
projects which make no sense and indeed bring more poverty to the slum dwellers and the
forgotten people in the villages. Youths arc wounded by the reality of massive unemployment
and under-employment. Many workers, including even the Police, rightfully complain of
inadequate salaries, and salaries not paid on time. The gap between the very poor and the
very rich continues to widen, and the middle class seems to be rapidly wiped out.

Moral/spiritual: Materialistic and worldly religion, preaching prosperity and promising
healing and miracles, devoid of sacrifice and the cross, damages and even replaces authentic
religion. Some religious leaders control the minds of their adherents, who are often ignorant
and needy, exploiting them for selfish advantage. The “God” preached by some religious
leaders seems not to be the God of justice and love, but an intolerant “God” who fosters
hatred and division.

THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR WOUNDS

Our seemingly incurable wounds are symptoms of a deeper and more chronic sickness,
namely sin. This is manifested in our lack of love, lack of concern, and selfishness at
individual and group levels. The pervasive presence of greed, selfishness, corruption, the
culture of impunity, the politics of power rather than development, all contribute to a nation of
wounded people. These vices prevent us from putting in place structures that heal and unify.
While some have more responsibility than others for our wounds, no one is totally without
blame. “If we say we are free from the guilt of sin, we deceive ourselves” (l In. 1:8).

ACTION TO BE TAKEN

All of us Nigerians need first to admit that all is not well. Government at all levels should
resist the temptation to tell lies to the people. One cannot deceive all the people all the time.

The process of healing of wounds involves both short-term alleviation of pain, and long-term
preventive steps. The process of healing receives its power and inspiration from God and
then calls forth action and commitment on our part.

On the Part of Government

We renew our call for a national conference that will examine the sources of conflict
and propose measures to heal the divisions. To say “no” to dialogue is to say “yes” to
We call upon government to put in place qualitative and functional education at all
levels, which should include sound moral and religious instruction. In this connection,
we renew our demand for the return of schools to their legitimate owners.
We reaffirm the secular nature of the Nigerian State as enshrined in the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Government should initiate a frank discussion on thc issue of Sharia rather than
continue to wish and hope that it will disappear.
We request that the report of the Oputa Panel be made public.
Government should intensify efforts at creating job opportunities for the unemployed.
Government should not only allow but foster the creation of more political parties so
that more options are available to the public.
Insecurity in the land is not solved by the proliferation of dubious vigilante groups.

There is no civilized alternative to a well-trained, well-equipped, ami well-paid Police
Force.

We call upon government to conduct its business in the open, and not as if it were a
secret cult. People have the right to full knowledge of what programmes and plans are
discussed in the halls of government.
The war against corruption has so far proved ineffectual, partly because many of the
principal actors in government arc themselves not free from corruption. Good
intentions are not enough. An independent body should be given full power and
authority to wage an effective war against corruption at all levels of government and

On the Part of the Church

The Church as family of God not only suffers wounds in its body, but sometimes its
members cause wounds to one another and to the larger society. And so in the spirit of
Lent, we affirm the need for personal conversion.
We urge all Christians to that conversion of hearts, minds, and altitudes to the way of
Jesus, to the gospel values that he lived and died for. Without interior renewal and
conversion, nothing can be achieved.
We call on all Nigerians to shun violence and imbibe a culture of dialogue and non-
We reaffirm the indispensable role of the Justice, Development, and Peace
Commissions/Committees. (JDPC) at the parish, diocesan, provincial and national
These Commissions/Committees arc not simply another group or society in the
Church but are to oversee and take leadership responsibility in the struggle to heal the
wounds of the nation.

In accord with the Social Teaching of the Church, we encourage Catholics to enter the difficult world of politics. Through the Justice, Development and Peace Commissions/Committees and the Catholic Social Forum(CSF) the Church will provide political education and formation both for candidates vying for office and the electorate.

Catechesis in parishes should include the Church’s teaching on the social dimension
of sin and grace, and on how Catholics should be agents of healing and reconciliation,
standing for non-violent action for justice and peace.
The Church will continue and intensify its efforts to complement the programmes of
government in providing health care, education and other social services.
The Church commits itself to establishing centres of vocational, functional education
that will lead to gainful employment.
Working with government, we will put in place programmes to combat the HIV/AIDS
These programmes will aim at creating AIDS awareness, arresting the
spread of the virus, and extending pastoral care to infected individuals and their
families.
We remind all God’s people, and the laity in particular, that they are to be salt of the
earth and light of the world. All Catholics must be seen to be part and parcel of the
healing process of the nation.
The Church will continue to set an example for the nation by renewed efforts to follow
the example of Jesus by preaching the good news to the poor (cf. Lk. 4: 18), and
looking after those who are most neglected. If a nation cannot truly be great when it
neglects the’ needs of its poorest members, how much more true is that of the Church,
the family of God?

CONCLUSION

“By his wounds we are healed” (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus Christ, the Wounded Healer, freely took
upon himself the sins, the wounds of humankind, Through his death on the Cross, he gives us
the power to be freed from our sins and wounds, Since many of our wounds are of our own
making, then the solution and way forward are also within our reach. Empowered by the
grace of God and following in the footsteps of Jesus, the process of healing and reconciliation
will demand sacrifice for the common good and the spirit of forgiveness articulated so clearly
by Pope John Paul II: “No peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness” (World Day
of Peace, 2002). Even as we move through Lent, we remain an Easter people, a people of
hope.

If my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and
pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from
heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land (2 Chr. 7: 14),

May Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted and Hope of Christians, so close to the wounded
Jesus Christ on the Cross, intercede for us and assist us in our efforts to heal the wounds of
our nation.

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN + Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of Lokoja

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 2002, held at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat
and Conference Centre (DRACC), Enugu, from 9th to 13^th September, 2002

OUR CONCERN FOR OUR NATION

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our Second
Plenary Meeting for the year 2002 at DRACC, Enugu, from the 9^th to 13^th September,
2002. Having prayerfully reflected on a number of happenings currently affecting the
peace and progress of our nation, we issue the following communiqué.

OUR BLESSINGS

Since our last meeting in Abuja, February 2002, there have been some signs of
progress in the nation. Some social services have improved in some areas of the nation.
Three more political parties have been created and approved. We congratulate the Federal
Government for some of its recent interventions condemning some aspects of the
implementation of the Sharia. The Attorney General of the Federation has expressed in
writing his view that extending Sharia Law to criminal matters is against the Nigerian
Constitution.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria continues to grow in strength, as seen in the newly
created Vicariate of Kontagora, and the ordination of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Timothy
Carroll, SMA, as its Vicar Apostolic.

Many dioceses and parishes have instituted programmes of Civic Education. The
people are growing in the awareness of their rights and responsibilities. We have received
reports of many commendable concrete actions against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Many
dioceses and parishes have increased not only HIVIAIDS awareness, but pastoral care to
families and individuals affected by AIDS.

OUR CONCERNS

The political climate is cloudy and turbulent. With the postponement of local
government elections, with the delay in the voters’ registration exercise, and the
uncertainty surrounding the national identity card project, citizens are deeply concerned,
and rightly so, about the forthcoming elections. Recourse to violence is often the way to
settle political problems. We witness a disturbing rate of assassinations, and the use of paid
thugs to settle political scores. The culture of violence, scheming, plotting, betraying, and
lying to the people is still very much with us.

All this has generated an atmosphere of insecurity that seriously threatens our
nascent democracy. Security on the roads, in the homes, even in parish houses and
convents, has been eroded. As we previously warned, dubious vigilante groups and private
armies are not the answer but indeed often part of the problem: they only lead to more
violence.

Our concern extends to the judiciary. It should be the pillar of justice, the guarantor of human rights, and the last bastion of defence for the common man and woman. Its independence and credibility must be maintained at all costs.

The pursuit of government posts, whether elected or appointed, rather than hard
work, is seen to be the way to money. This is partly due to excessive monetary reward, and unrestricted access to public funds by government officials It is no wonder that almost all our elected office holders seem to be seeking a second term at all costs.

We observe that salaries once again are not being paid regularly in some states,
even as the life style and cost of governance increase at an alarming rate. Construction
work on many new roads and repairs of existing roads have also been halted, with no clear
explanation of why funds are not available. In spite of our repeated calls, nothing effective
seems to be done to create job opportunities or work incentives for our youths. Finally,
there is glib talk concerning the beginnings of success in the War Against Corruption. But
there is little to show in the courts of justice or the halls of government and business.

The crisis over the Sharia is deepening rather than being resolved. In general,
ethnic and religious conflicts have continued unabated.

A CALL TO COMMITMENT

Nigeria offers a test case for the future of democracy, human rights and religious
liberty in Africa. We cannot afford to fail our own citizens and the rest of Africa.

We continue to encourage our members “with a talent for the difficult yet noble art
of politics … forgetting their own convenience and material interests, to engage in political
activity” (Second Vatican Council, The Church in the Modern World, 75). We will support
and vote for candidates whose qualities include these: capacity to see politics as service
and honest hard work, rather than a money-making venture; respect for the sacredness of
life and human dignity; transparency, accountability and responsibility to the people,
especially the poor. They must exhibit a willingness to sacrifice personal and parochial
interests for the common good of the nation; equitable distribution of goods and amenities,
as against favoritism, clannishness, and ethnicisrn; capacity to respect and promote law and
order and maintain security. Candidates to be elected must be those who seek political
power for the right reason: to contribute to the building of God’s kingdom of justice and
peace in our nation.

We shall not hesitate to criticize all leaders, and in a special way, Catholic leaders,
who do not live up to the democratic principles of justice, honesty, truthfulness,
transparency and accountability. As we urge government to be transparent and
accountable, we commit ourselves to that same ideal.

We urge all Catholics, and all citizens, to fulfill their civic and moral obligation to
exercise the right to vote, and to do so responsibly (cf Catechism of the Catholic Church,
2240). We commend the efforts of Justice, Development and Peace
Commissions/Committees in Civic Education at diocesan and parish levels, and urge them
to assist citizens in registering to vote, and then in monitoring elections. The largely silent
majority must not sit back and allow its legitimate aspirations to be frustrated by a few
people, no matter how powerful. We urge all citizens to be vigilant over their rights, to
vote wisely and prudently, and to resist election rigging and the selling of their vote. We
reject any military coup. We have no option but to exercise patience, discipline and
persistence in making a success of our fragile democratic system.

Government must pay particular attention to ensure the independence, neutrality
and objectivity of the electoral commissions, security agencies, and the judiciary so as to
guarantee that elections are free and fair. Where there have been cases of violence and
bloodshed, we echo the principle of law that those who stand accused cannot be judges in
their own case. So too, in the larger political arena, to be a contestant and an umpire in the
same contest is against natural justice.

We urge our people to hold political parties accountable for the plans, promises,
and programs that they set forth when they ask for our vote.

If the members of the National Assembly have reasons to impeach the President
they must be sure that they are doing it in the interest of Nigerians and not for some selfish
motives or with hidden agenda.

As in the past, we offer a hand of friendship and partnership to government at all
levels, in providing health care, education, and other welfare and social services for our
people.

While the report of The Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission (Oputa
Panel) has been presented, we call upon government to make it public and implement its
recommendations.

We renew our call for a national conference that will examine the sources of
conflict and violence, some of which may have their origins in the current Constitution.

SHARIA

We repeat our warning that the adoption of Sharia as state law and the extension of
its scope to criminal matters are flagrant violations of the human rights of Nigerians. Our
Constitution safeguards the human rights of its citizens. As it protects the legal rights of its
citizens, it also limits the behavior of individuals and groups that might infringe upon the
rights of others

We shall not be silent as long as the injustice and the anomaly of the Sharia
continues. We shall at the same time continue to seek channels of dialogue for increased
mutual understanding and cooperation between members of our Church and our
compatriots of the Islamic faith in the solution of our problems, in accord with recent
Church teaching, and the shining example of Pope John Paul II. We shall continue in our
efforts to remind government leaders, and all people of good will of the obligation of every
government to ensure that the equality of all citizens before the law is never violated for
religious reasons, whether openly or covertly. As we see so vividly in Nigeria and in the
world today, the alternative to dialogue is violence.

More specifically, we urge Christian politicians not to sit on the fence, but to take a
firm stand against the injustice and anomaly of the Sharia in the current political
negotiations.

We condemn adultery and fornication as sinful behaviour against God’s
commandments. But we abhor and condemn the sentencing to death by stoning of persons
accused of adultery or fornication. This widened application of Sharia law endangers
especially the rights of the poor and women, and leaves unpunished the failings of the
powerful and the wealthy. These sentences have brought great shame and opprobrium on
our nation in the international community. President Obasanjo, in his goodwill address to
us said that “we must end the dark night of falsehood and cruelty and usher in a new dawn
of truth and mercy.” In the condemnation of Safiya Hussaini and Arnina Lawai, we are
convinced that neither truth nor mercy is being served.

EUCHARISTIC ETHIC

It is providential that at this time we are in the midst of preparations for the 1^st
National Pastoral Congress and 3^rd National Eucharistic Congress to be held in lbadan
from November 11th-17th.

The Pastoral Congress is an occasion to take a comprehensive look at the overall
mission of the Church in Nigeria. It will propose measures that will make for a more

effective evangelization, a Church that is more vibrant and faithful to its mission in the
new century. Certainly, it will address and respond to many of the concerns we have listed
here.

The Eucharistic Congress will be an opportunity to storm heaven with prayers that
God will bless our nation. It will also be an opportunity for Catholics at the parish,
diocesan and national levels, to put into practice what Pope John Paul II has called “a
Eucharistic ethic,” a Eucharistic way of life.

In the Eucharist, the great Christian themes of sharing and sacrifice, hospitality to
all, old and young, rich and poor, forgiveness and reconciliation, gratitude and hope,
prayer for the needs of our world and nation, service to the neighbor, building up of the
Church as family, and commitment to justice in our world, are celebrated and imbibed.

CONCLUSION

In the prayer for the forthcoming Eucharistic Congress, we request: “May the same
Holy Spirit empower us to become bread broken for the life of our brothers and sisters, of
every tribe, colour and tongue.” We pray that the Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus, and
comes down at every celebration of the Eucharist, will come upon us with power, and
“dispose us henceforth to be willing to make sacrifices, promote justice and peace in our
society.”

While here in Enugu, we recall the tragic events of March7^th at the Adoration
Ground. We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead. We urge those responsible to
repent and seek forgiveness, so that true peace and reconciliation may return to the State.

May Mary, Queen of Peace and Queen of Nigeria, guide our preparations, and help
us carry out successfully our Pastoral and Eucharistic Congresses. With her intercession,
we hope and pray that the Pastoral and Eucharistic Congresses will transform our families, parishes and dioceses, into the Eucharistic family of God on mission.

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN + Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of Lokoja

A COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the Year 2003, held at Pope John Paul II
Catholic Centre, Abuja, from 10^th to 14^th March 2003

SEEKING THE WAY OF PEACE

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary
Meeting for the year 2003, at the Pope John Paul II Catholic Centre, Abuja, from the 10^th to
14^th March 2003. The theme of our conference was Seeking the Way of Peace. After
prayerful deliberation on matters currently affecting the Church and Society in our nation,
we issue the following communique.

COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS

We are grateful to God for the successful and fruitful renewal of our Church as Family of
God on Mission through the celebration of the First National Pastoral Congress and the
Third National Eucharistic Congress held in Ibadan from 11^th to 17^th November 2002. The
recent creation of the diocese of Auchi, and the appointment of three new Bishops, Bishops
Gabriel Dunia for Auchi, Michael Apochi for Otukpo, and Bishop-elect Matthew Ndagoso
for Maiduguri, are a sign of growth. Our decision to establish and the formal launching of
the proposed Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja (CUNA) project are a significant
milestone in the contribution of the Catholic Church to integral education for national
development.

Our nation has so far witnessed four uninterrupted though turbulent years of journey in
democratic government. As we prepare for our national general elections, thirty political
parties have been allowed to contest in the elections. The voters’ registration exercise was
carried out. After many years of debate and waiting, the national identity card project has
taken off. Tele-communication is improving through the introduction of a variety of mobile
telephone services. For all these we remain grateful to God, and to all those who helped to
bring about these positive developments.

OUR PRESENT CONCERNS

We are disturbed by the worsening state of insecurity of life and property occasioned by
armed robbery, arson, political violence and assassinations. Religious intolerance and inter-
religious violence have continued to threaten the peace, unity and stability of our nation.
Sadly, some politicians exploit these religious differences, as well as ethnic divisions for
selfish ends. Corruption has continued unabated despite government promises and measures
instituted to fight the endemic malaise. Complaints have trailed preparations for the
forthcoming general elections. Of particular concern are the exercise of the compilation and
the delay in the publication of the voters’ register. Denial of access to certain public
facilities for campaigns to opposition candidates indicates all unequal treatment of political
parties. In some states, workers are still unjustly deprived of their salaries and pensions.

There is continued deterioration of social amenities and public utilities. The return of fuel
shortage and frequent power outage despite huge investments in these sectors are an
example. The educational system continues to suffer as a result of long closure of schools
caused by unresolved trade disputes. The Sharia issue, which has been a source of
considerable distress to the nation, is being carefully avoided by politicians in the on-going
political discussions.

Within the Church, the “son of the soil” syndrome with regard to ecclesiastical
appointments and in other spheres of the Church’s life is a source of serious concern.

All these negative trends pose a severe threat to the unity, stability and peace of our nation.

THE IMPERATIVE OF PEACE

Peace is one of the dearest treasures cherished by people in every age. It is not merely the
absence of tension or war, but the presence of integral well-being: spiritual, moral and
material. It connotes the good estate of all things, which God wills, or salvation, which is
both the work of God and what God enables people to do. There is a very close link
between peace, justice and development. Peace is only possible where there is justice, and
where there is peace and justice it is possible to have authentic development. Conversely,
development is an effective means for bringing about true and lasting peace. For this reason,
Pope Paul V 1 said that “the new name for peace is development.” In the new kingdom
which Christ came to establish by his life, passion, death and resurrection, peace is also to
be understood as mercy, forgiveness, compassion and love. Peace understood in this way is
what the Church wishes and prays for in our land. In view of all these, we hereby propose
the following as concrete steps to be taken in the search for peace.

CONCRETE STEPS TOWARDS PEACE

Towards Peaceful Elections

Election campaigns are in full swing. We shall continue to pray and work for free, fair and
peaceful elections. To ensure this, we ask politicians to deal with issues in rational and
civilised debates that will help the electorate to make free choices. The issues are many and
crying for clearly defined positions, not lies and general statements. We need to know, for
example, where politicians intend to carry the nation in the areas of the economy, security
and the place of religion in our national life. We urge them to be prepared to accept the
verdict of the people. In the name of God, we charge those who have stockpiled arms to
disarm and those who are recruiting private militias to disband them. On its part,
government at all levels must ensure free and fair conduct of the elections by the agencies
put in place for that purpose: INEC, the Judiciary, the Police and other security agencies.
Our many incumbents in government who are also candidates for re-election must firmly
resist the obvious temptation to turn government machinery into serving partisan interests in
favour of themselves and against their opponents. We ask that all approved political parties
be given equal access to public media and other facilities for their campaigns. We call upon
all Nigerians to vote according to their conscience and with courage only for God-fearing
and responsible leaders. Our people must continue to be vigilant, ready to defend peacefully
but firmly their political rights. They should, as individuals and groups, refuse to be used as
political thugs or’ manipulated by “money bags.” Our destiny as a nation depends to a large
extent on our votes and electoral choices.

The Date of Elections

In the Christian calendar, Saturday, 19^th April 2003 is Holy Saturday, a sacred day of prayer
and reflection on the central reality of our faith, namely, the passion, death and resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Having elections that day poses an unnecessary conflict for
Christians between their religious and civic duties. For these reasons, the date chosen for the
presidential and gubernatorial elections is unacceptable to us. Along with the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN), we demand that the election day be changed to a more
suitable date after Easter. We hereby propose Tuesday, 22^nd April 2003 as a suitable date.

Security

While we acknowledge the efforts so far made to make the Nigeria Police more efficient,
we recommend adequate screening of applicants for the Police, proper training for recruits,
provision of better equipment, just conditions of service and timely remuneration for all
categories of officers. The Police and other law enforcement agencies should be more
prompt and resolute in combating crime in its different forms, especially armed robbery and
assassinations. They should be painstaking in investigating crime, and bring all categories of
offenders to book without fear or favour. We appeal to the Police and other law enforcement
agents on our roads to desist from extorting money from road users. The public, on their
part, should resist all demands for gratification by these law enforcement agents.

Corruption

As we have already ernphasised in the past, we recommend that the nation embark on a
programme of rebuilding individual and collective consciences through education, both
formal and informal, and through sustained public enlightenment on the evils of corruption.
We recognise the need to strengthen the provisions of the anti-corruption law enacted by the
Federal government. However, we deplore the attempt by a section of the National
Assembly to water them down. We enjoin our people to continue to say the Prayer Against
Bribery and Corruption ill Nigeria.

Social Amenities and Utilities:

Government and its agencies should not allow the on-going electioneering campaigns to
distract them from their obligation to provide adequate social amenities and functioning
public utilities. In this regard, urgent and concerted action should be taken to solve the on-
going fuel crisis and ensure steady power supply and rehabilitate roads across the country.

Salaries and Pensions

We demand that government at all levels pay outstanding salaries and pensions to their
employees without further delay. It is a grave injustice to continue to withhold remuneration
for work already done.

Education

The deplorable state of education in our country is unacceptable. We call on government
and all others who are involved in education to take every necessary action to arrest further
decline in our educational system. In this connection, we appeal for an urgent resolution of
the on-going stand-off between the government and the Academic Staff Union of
Universities (ASUU) and other unions. We, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria,
are prepared to mediate between the government and the unions.

We consider the proposed establishment of the Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja
(CUNA), a concrete contribution by the Catholic Church towards the improvement of the
quality of higher education in Nigeria. We thank all those who have in any way supported
the project so far. We request all our faithful and indeed all Nigerians of good will to join
hands with us to bring about the eventual realisation of this project.

We reiterate our demand for the return of schools taken over from the Church and other
voluntary agencies, where this has not been done. Furthermore, given that every child has a
right to education and parents have the right to choose how and where their children are
educated, government should provide grants-in-aid to non-government schools to make
them affordable to all.

The Oputa Panel

We renew our call to the government to take the necessary measures to ensure the release of
the report of 111e Human Rights Violation Investigation Commission (Oputa Panel). We
further ask that its recommendations be implemented. Given that truth is essential in a
reconciliation process, this will contribute to the healing of the nation and the search for
lasting peace in Nigeria.

The Sharia Issue

We ask the aspirants to political offices to make their positions known on the Sharia issue.
This will enable the electorate to know where they stand on this question that has serious
implications for the unity, peace and stability of our nation.

National Conference

In our search for peace, dialogue is essential. In view of this, we continue to insist on the
need for a National Conference, that will examine the sources of conflict and propose
measures to heal the divisions in our country. To say “no” to dialogue is to say “yes” to
violence. Furthermore, the expected resolution of conflicts and divisions will create
confidence in the minds of prospective investors in the national economy.

The Search for Global Peace

We are living in dangerous times on the global level. We ask our people to pray earnestly
for peace in our world. We join the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in calling on all nations
to avoid terrorism and war by all means.

Healing our own Wounds

Conscious of the fact that the Church is the Family of God on Mission, we cannot be
credible signs and instruments of peace and reconciliation unless we address the conflicts
and divisions within our ranks. Consequently’, we urge cur people to recognise that
ecclesiastical appointments are the outcome of a faith-propelled process. They should never
be based on sectional considerations that lead to unnecessary rancour, public rivalry and
embarrassing lobbying.

CONCLUSION

In our search for peace, we Nigerians need to recognise our sinfulness, especially injustice
selfishness and lack of forgiveness, and repent of them. To this end, we must learn to
humble ourselves before God, seek his face and turn from our wicked ways (cf. 2 Chron.
7: 14). For us Christians, the on-going period of Lent provides an opportunity for prayer and
fasting which should lead us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly before the Lord
(cf. Micah 6:8).

We hereby direct that Friday 4^th April 2003 be observed by all our faithful as a special day
of prayer and fasting for the well being of our nation. During this special year of the rosary,
we exhort families, groups and individuals to daily recitation of the rosary for the’ peace and
stability of our nation. In union with the Holy Father, we call on parishes and dioceses to
organise special celebrations for the year of the rosary.

In the course of follows:

President
Vice President

Secretary

Asst. Secretary

meeting, elections were held for new officers of the Conference as

-Most Revel John Onaiyekan (Archbishop of Abuja)

– Most Rcvd Felix Alaba Job Archbishop of Ibadan)

– Most Revd Lucius Ugorji (Bishop of Umuahia)

– Most Revd Alfred A. Martins (Bishop of Abeokuta)

May Our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Peace and Queen of Nigeria, intercede for us,
Amen.

+ Most Revd John Onaiyekan

President, CBCN + Most Revd. Joseph Ajomo

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, CBCN

Bishop of Lokoja

Communique Issued at the End of the First Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

at the CHIDA International Hotel, Abuja, 1 – 6 March 2004.

Living Our Faith in Trying Times

Preamble

We, the members 0 f the Catholic Bishops’ Conference 0 f Nigeria, held 0ur First Plenary
Meeting for the year 2004 at the CHIDA International Hotel, Abuja, from 1^st to 6^th March
2004. Having prayerfully deliberated on issues affecting the Church and the nation, we
hereby issue the following communique:

Thanksgiving

We thank Almighty God for sustaining us with a living faith in these trying times. We are
also grateful to God and His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, for raising our brother, His
Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Archbishop of Lagos, to the status of a Cardinal. This
is a great honour to the Catholic Church in Nigeria, and to our nation as a whole. The same
sentiment goes for the appointment of the former Bishop of Ogoja, Most Rev. Joseph Ukpo,
as the new A rchbishop of Calabar, the appointment and ordination of Most Rev. Michael
Elue as the new Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, and Most Rev. John Moore, S.M.A., as the
first Bishop of the new diocese of Bauchi.

These Trying Times

We note that the peace in our country is more of an uneasy calm than enduring peace.
Political crises, social unrest, inter-religious conflicts and crimes, especially armed robbery
and assassination, continue unabated. Insecurity of life and property continues to worsen.
The poor become more and more wretched. Many go hungry and without good shelter. Not
knowing their rights, they easily become victims of various forms of exploitation.

Moral integrity and uprightness are daily being called to question. Fraud and deceit have
become adopted as a way to success. A great number of people are being poisoned by
materialism and dominated by the spirit of consumerism. Corruption has been elevated to a
national culture, despite the much touted anti-corruption measures.

In these trying times, many Nigerians remain manifestly religious. Their practice of religion,
however, seems to have little effect on their moral, socio-economic, and political life. While
praying for the solutions of our problems, we must endeavour to be just in our dealings with
others, work hard in fulfillment of 0ur duties, stand for 0ur personal and civic rights, and
collaborate with others in the social transformation of our country.

Unchanging Moral Principles

We have persistently called on Nigerians to be guided by principles of truth, justice and fair-
play, without which there is no peaceful human society. These are aspects of the natural
moral law discovered by human reason and understanding.

Natural law is the basis of the Universal Human Rights and Freedoms, because it is
applicable always, everywhere, and for everyone, Christians, Muslims, and followers of African Traditional Religion. The happiness, even the sanity of individuals, depends on their
respective moral condition. By respecting the natural moral law, people of all faiths can
work together in truth, justice and fairness and live in unity, love and peace.

All men and women of goodwill can indeed work together to promote the common good, that
is, “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals,
to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily” (VATICAN II, The Church in the
Modem World. n. 26). We call on people of all faiths to present a common front to fight the
prevalent social and moral evils, especially those which attack human life and the family.

Abuse of Religion

Being a good Christian or a good Muslim necessarily includes brotherly love, compassion,
truth, justice, and equity in relationship with others. We abhor, therefore, the recent violence
committed against innocent citizens in Plateau state by some religious fanatics. We continue
to denounce any act of violence committed in the name of God or religion. We condemn
fanaticism or any ideological agenda that endangers our common welfare. We should refrain
from any exploitation of religion for selfish interests, and collaborate in various areas of
service to humankind.

Government and Social Justice

Each year, the nation’s budget runs into billions of Naira. At the end of the year, there is not
much to show for it. . Indeed, there is evidence of reckless spending on cosmetic and
prestigious projects that’ do not address the problems of the masses. Many contracts are
initiated and subsequently abandoned, or not executed at all. The economic austerity
measures so much advocated by government are hardly reflected in the lifestyle of public
officials. Many of those in power are often indifferent and insensitive to the plight of the
majority of Nigerians. This increases the level of distrust between government and the
governed.

Government is sometimes thought of as a force lacking all control. Many of those in power
rule without a clear mandate from the people. There is a worrisome tendency to force the
nation into a one-party system of government at the federal, state and local levels.

We remind all that civil authority derives its obligatory force from the moral order according
to right reason. Public officials who act arbitrarily lose the moral basis of their authority over
the citizens. Likewise, those who loot public fund attract to themselves the wrath of God.

There is need to restructure the national economy. This restructuring provides for people’s
basic needs and guarantees equity in the distribution of wealth and opportunities as well as
burdens. Sustainable development is possible 0nly when there is adequate debate, proper
administration, transparency and accountability. We call on the government in power to
broaden the base of political participation by encouraging political pluralism. Such pluralism
is vital for the process of national reconciliation.

Local Government Elections

Many Nigerians will return to the polls on the 27^th of March 2004 for the Local Government
Elections. Before then: we need to reflect on the lessons we have learnt from the electoral
process of 2003. Massive fraud brought about a certain despondency on the part of the
citizens about voting. We should bear in mind that to boycott voting might pave way for
unscrupulous people to come to power. Government should ensure through its various

agencies that the forthcoming local government elections are free and fair. We urge all
Nigerians to discharge their moral and civic duties conscientiously by voting for the
candidates of their choice.

Defence and Promotion of Life and the Family

We are deeply disturbed by the unrelenting efforts of some anti-life and anti-family groups to
liberalize artificial contraceptives and abortion in Nigeria. Many of such agenda camouflage
under some developmental projects. We are faced with the so-called ‘pro-choice’ and
‘reproductive health programmes’ which tend to regard children as a burden for women and
an inconvenience to be rid of by abortion.

We reject any attempt tolegalize abortion and insist on the sacred and inviolable right to life
from the moment of conception to its natural end. We identify and denounce the agenda as
evil. We support only alternatives which protect and promote our good cultural and Christian
values, such as the natural methods of family planning.

Concerning the bill on capital punishment being debated nationwide, we advocate a system of
penal justice ever more in line with human dignity. Punishment should be corrective, not
vindictive. Besides, capital punishment can irreversibly lead to miscarriage of justice.
Hence, we urge public authority to look for more effective means of reducing crimes and
protecting public order and the safety of persons. This includes an incentive and help for
criminals to change their behaviour and be rehabilitated (cf. JOHN PAUL II, The Gospel of
Life, n. 56).

HIV/AIDS

More should be done by the government and citizens in the area of prevention of HIV/AIDS
pandemic and care of its patients. Medication should always be made available at an
affordable rate for those living with HIV/AIDS. We call on families, health workers, and
pastoral agents, to continue to assist these people. All should promote campaign against this
pandemic, eschewing all forms of discrimination and stigmatization. We condemn any
exploitation of the situation to advertise the use of condoms. We emphasize that the surest
way to avoid HIV\AIDS infection is through chastity or fidelity to one’s lawful spouse.
Pastoral agents should promote Catholic sexuality education at all levels.

Welfare of Youths and Children

The plight of youths and children in this country has reached a critical point in the history of
our nation. The crises may be traced back to the family – the cell of the society. The
materialism of modern society constrains many parents to consider success in their profession
and career as the highest value, to the detriment of the upbringing of their children. Some
adults remain indifferent or choose to speak with contempt concerning lapses in young
people, instead of lifting a hand to guide and protect them. While the school and employment
of youths receive little attention in our economic planning, endless lootings at various levels
of government deprive young people of enabling environment for their development.

We join the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, in his message for this year’s Lent entitled,
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5), to call for a
commitment to remove the many forms of injustice and neglect which affect children. All
dioceses are to intensify and strengthen family and youth apostolate in order to guide the
ethical, moral and spiritual wellbeing of young people.

Call to Conversion

The world may be evil, but your lives must redeem it” (Ephesians 5:16). Aware of this
injunction from St Paul, we join all Christians in a special way during this period of Lent to
make a humble and courageous examination of conscience. All should repent of their
failings.

We acknowledge and confess our mistakes, our slowness at times to act in favour of justice
and truth, our omissions, our infidelities and our faults. We call on other members of the
clergy, the religious and the laity to this interior renewal which gives weight to our common
and individual witnessing. In the words of the Prophet Joel, the Lord in his infinite mercy is
calling upon all of us today as ever: “Come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping,
mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments tom; turn to the Lord your God
again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready
to relent” (Joel 2:12-13) ..

We entrust our nation to Mary, Queen of Nigeria, to intercede for us in these trying times, so
that our faith does not fail.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Bishop of Umuahia

Archbishop of Abuja Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

A Communique Issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Makurdi,

13^th – 15^th September 2004

Mission to Serve

Preamble

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our Second
Plenary Meeting for the year 2004 at the Pope John Paul 11 Pastoral Centre, Makurdi,
from 13^lh to 17^lh September 2004. Having prayerfully discussed issues affecting the
Church and our country, we issued the following communique.

Events Since our Last Conference

We welcome the new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Renzo Fratini, who
arrived in Abuja after our First Plenary Meeting in March 2004 to begin his duties. We
wish him good health and success as he serves as the representative of the Pope in our
country.

With faith in the resurrection, we continue to commend to God’s mercy the soul of Most
Rev. Joseph Ajomo, the Bishop of Lokoja who died on June 21^st, 2004.

Call for Good Governance

We joined our member conferences in attending the meeting of the Association of the
Episcopal Conferences 0 f Anglophone West Africa (AECAWA) in Ho, Ghana, 21^st to
30^thAugust, 2004. We discussed good governance in the Church and in the States of
West African Sub-region. The meeting proposed some criteria for good governance,
such as accountability, participation of people in decision-making and implementation of
policies, predictability of issues in public Iife, as well as sensitivity to ethnic and religious
diversity, the rule of law and transparency.

While we note certain glimmer of hope in the Government’s effort to rid Nigeria of corruption, we

regret that the state of governance in this country is still far from these
criteria. Our nation swiftly drifts into social fragility, political apathy, and a general state
of insecurity. There is no doubt that these criteria are fundamental to restore our people’s
trust in the government and strengthen our nascent democracy. We call on Nigerians at
all levels to examine their life styles and the consequences of their actions on the people
they should serve.

Situation in Plateau State

We regret the events in Yelwa that led to the state of emergency in Plateau State. We
acknowledge and welcome the initiatives being taken by the Church and State to achieve
reconciliation and peace. It is sad that some individuals and groups take advantage of
this situation to create political, ethnic and religious tension. We ask them to repent and
support efforts which will bring normalcy to the State. We pray for victims of the
violence and thank God that peace is gradually returning to the affected part of the State.

Social Responsibility of Christians to Nation-Building

We thank God that more Christians are now becoming involved in politics, and are
occupying various posts. We congratulate those of them who have been trying to be true
witnesses of justice and peace. Indeed, politics offers our lay Christians a great
opportunity to contribute to the development of our country, following the light of the
Gospel. Being a Christian includes the civic responsibility to contribute to good
governance and the transformation of the society. The Church renews and will sustain
her action for the promotion of a healthy democratic process in our land. We call on
Nigerian Christians to study and practise the Church’s Social Teaching in order to
sanitize our society and be truly leaven in our nation. The efforts of the Catholic Laity
Council to promote political activities should be encouraged at all levels.

As responsible citizens, we should begin early to prepare for the 2007 elections. We
lament that justice is being purposely delayed over the affairs of past elections even as we
prepare for the next elections. We should learn from our past mistakes to lay a good
foundation this time around for free and fair elections. Plurality of parties is essential for
the healthy sustenance of democracy. We regret a situation in which opposition is
subverted and sabotaged, or opposition easily succumbing to such pressures. We should
reject the temptation to one party state and work towards the promotion of a multi-party
state which encourages debates and freedom of choice at all levels.

A Call for Sanity and Formation of Consciences

We condemn all fetish practices and regret the involvement of some Christians in
perpetrating evil practices. We are appalled and vehemently condemn the activities
associated with the Ogwugwu shrines in Okija and similar shrines in other parts of the
country. We condemn nefarious practices like ritual killings, cultism and other diabolic
activities as means to wealth, security and power. We warn against such recourse to the
power of darkness.

The Son of God and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life who raises
the standards of our humanity and challenges us to truth, justice and fair play. We will
continue to intensify our effort to educate the consciences of people. We appeal to
Christians to avail themselves of the opportunities provided at all levels for this education.

The Police on our Roads

We observe that the security on our roads has generally improved. This is a welcome
development. It is due to the presence of more police on our roads. We salute those of
them who are rendering dedicated service.

However, we note that there are now too many check-points. They seem to have become
new ‘de facto’ toll gates where citizens experience harassment, extortion and intimidation
with seeming impunity at the hands of some policemen.

We acknowledge the poor condition under which the police have to live and work. We
call on the government to pay the just salaries of the police men and women as and when
due, and improve their conditions of service. We equally call on all members of the
Police Force to shun corrupt practices. They are to uphold the law, protect the rights of
all citizens and promote a positive image of a civic democratic society.

Care for those Living with HIV/AIDS

We thank God that the situation has improved in the care for those living with HIV/AIDS
in our midst. While we commend local organizations and individuals who indicate
interest to offer services to these afflicted Nigerians, we urge that their actions be better
coordinated. It is unfortunate that prevention, care and eradication of HIVIAIDS have
become for some another unscrupulous way to amass wealth. We call on medical
personnel and philanthropic Nigerians to continue to work assiduously for the control
with the hope of total eradication of this pandemic in our society. We should intensify
our efforts in removing any stigmatization associated with victims of this ailment.

The School and Formation of Youth

We will continue to offer our services in partnership with the government towards the
provision of quality and functional education for our people. We thank the State
governments which have handed some schools back to the Church. Some of these
governments have begun to assist in renovating the infrastructures, as well as provide
grants-in-aid to the mission schools. We urge other State governments to follow these
examples which further help in the moral education of our youth and raise the ethical
standards of our people.

Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja (CUNA)

Our Conference is determined to execute the Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja,
project, in order to serve all Nigerians irrespective of creed and class. This project was
launched a year and a half ago in Abuja with great enthusiasm. Plans for the
implementation of the first phase of its establishment have been completed. As we are
committed to do our best in providing proper education and discipline for the
transformation of the Church and society, we appeal to Nigerians for their continued
moral and financial supports to this project.

10 Years of African Synod and Pastoral Congress Exhortation

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the celebration of the Special Assembly for
Africa 0f the Synod 0f Bishops held in Rome in 1994. We brought the fruits of that
grace-filled event home by celebrating the Pastoral Congress in Ibadan, November 2002,
which examined the Church as a Family of God on Mission. As part of the tenth
anniversary celebration of the Synod, we now present our Exhortation deriving from the
Pastoral Congress. We urge the Catholic faithful and indeed all people to study the
document and to implement the resolutions in order to continue to reap the fruits of that
Synod.

Year of the Eucharist and the Year of the Bible

From October 2004 to October 2005, we will join the Universal Church in celebrating the
Year of the Eucharist. It is also the Year of the Bible in Africa and Madagascar. Nigeria
will play host to the Continental celebration in the year 2005. The celebrations will offer
us an opportunity to deepen our reflections on the centrality of the Eucharist which
celebrates the Word and the Sacrament as source and summit of the life and mission of
the Church. In the Eucharistic food, Jesus Christ offers himself to the Father and to us as
the Bread of Life. He invites us in the encounter to offer ourselves to one another in love
and service. The Eucharist teaches us to turn away from evil, selfishness and greed, and
strengthens us in the works of” justice, development and peace. Christians who
experience the Eucharistic love of Jesus are not only transformed individually, they
themselves become agents of social transformation of their society. The Eucharist
challenges us always to put our faith into practice.

Conclusion

As we draw close to the Eucharistic love of Jesus Christ and receive his Bread of life, the
reality of our Eucharistic mission becomes evident:

Always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of
Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body … so
that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown (2
Corinthians 4:10-11).

We pray that the celebration of the Year of the Eucharistic may dispose us to be willing
to make sacrifices, promote justice and peace in our society. May the Virgin Mary, the
first disciple of Jesus and Mother of the Church, be our model and intercede for us now
and forever. Amen.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Archbishop of Abuja Bishop of Umuahia

President. Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

A Communique Issued at the End of the First Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

at the Chida International Hotel, Abuja,

14th – 19^th February 2005

Youth Developnlent: Investing in Our Future Generation

Preamble

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary
Meeting for the year 2005 at the Chida International Hotel, Abuja, from 14^th to 19^th
February 2005. Having prayerfully deliberated 0n issues affecting the Church and our
country, we issued the following communique.

The State of the Nation

We are grateful to God who continues to keep us together as one nation, despite many
critical moments in our recent history that threaten our corporate existence. The tragic
result of the electoral process of 2003 led to a situation where many occupy positions of
power without the people’s mandate. It is therefore not surprising that such people lack
the moral and political will for good leadership. Despite the many failures of governance,
majority of Nigerians still sustain the hope of a democracy that would usher in the era of
equity, justice, peace and prosperity. But this hope is gradually waning.

Therefore, we welcome the fact that the Government is now calling for a national dialogue
to discuss the many issues that affect our life as a nation. It is important that the agenda
reflect the thorny issues rocking our national life without any restricted area. It is essential
also that the conference be based on fundamental or universal principles, and upholds the
rights of all citizens to freedom of conscience and religious expression, such as guaranteed
in our constitution. It is our hope that through serious and sincere dialogue, the desired
understanding and reconciliation may be achieved for greater solidarity and respect of the
common good. We encourage all Nigerians to pray for the success of this dialogue and to
participate fully in its process. We also welcome the project of a national census. We
urge the government and all the citizens to ensure the accuracy and success of the
exercise.

3 . Youth Development

Like in most African countries, the youth form a great proportion of our nation’s
population. We acknowledge the importance of the youth in the life of the Church and
society. The age of youth is a period of creativity, vitality, enthusiasm and bold aspiration.
We regret that many of them in our country have to live, study and work under difficult

conditions. Often, young people are regrettably used by some unscrupulous people for
dubious intents. We thank God that a good number are highly talented, determined and
disciplined. We wish to encourage these young people who, defying the neglect and
shortcomings in their community and environment, look to God for strength and to their
resourcefulness for sustenance.

The Family

We commend parents who despite today’s challenges stretch themselves to take proper
care of their children. Sadly, many of them are abandoning their roles as teachers and

guides of their children. Family life itself is in crisis, as more marriages break down.
Young people are left to stumble into experiences that all too 0ften spiral 0ut 0f their
control. Parents are reminded that forming children in basic moral values is integral to
good parenting.

Government

Government should treat our youth as the future of the nation. Nigeria is rich enough to
feed and educate all our citizens, if the country’s natural and human resources are properly
harnessed and utilized. Unfortunately, crisis of governance continues to condemn millions
of Nigerian youth to starvation, unemployment, and sub-standard living conditions.
Nigeria needs a restructuring of priorities and good governance to ensure a fair distribution
of the nation’s wealth to create an enabling environment for the development of our young
people.

The Church

Generally, the youth rightly want to identify with and be assisted by the Church. In order
to provide for the better pastoral care of our youth, we commit ourselves to drawing up
and implementing a systematic programme for the human, spiritual and doctrinal
formation.

The Mass Media

We thank God for the extraordinary growth of the communications media in 0ur time
which provides greater access to information, education, cultural expansion, and even
spiritual growth. Sometimes, however, our media celebrate violence, materialism,
vulgarity, sexual immorality, and superstition which contribute in damaging the psyche of
young people. That is why wisdom and discernment in the use of the media are
particularly called for on the part of communications professionals, parents and educators

and youth themselves.

We acknowledge the efforts of various governmental, media and voluntary organizations
in setting standards for, and regulating the advertising and entertainment industries in
Nigeria. More efforts are needed to establish and enforce proper ethical standards to
protect our young people preserve and promote our human and family values.

Qualitative and Functional Education

Knowledge is the most important factor for the social and economic development of all
nations. The best way to invest in the youth is through qualitative education.
Unfortunately, Nigeria invests a meagre 2.4% of its GNP on education, as against the 26%
recommended by UNESCO. Many school-buildings are in a state of dilapidation, often posing health

and safety hazard. The standard of education keeps falling. .

For more efficient and effective teaching, we need to invest more in education at various
levels. More Teacher Training Colleges are needed to turn out a proportionate number of
teachers for the teeming population of students and pupils. We recommend the
establishment of skills acquisition and technical training centres, to beef up opportunities
for self-employment. More universities should be established which, while offering to
young people adequate opportunities for scientific, technological and humanistic research,
help them to attain moral and civic character needed for responsible living.

The project of the proposed Catholic University of Nigeria, Abuja (CUNA), which
developed from the Church’s pastoral responsibility to the youths, was successfully re-
launched 17^th February 2005.

We thank all Nigerians who prayed for and lent their generous support, as groups and
individuals, to the success of the project. We appeal to men and women of goodwill to
continue to associate themselves with this project which will contribute to qualitative and
integral education of our young people.

Youth and HIV/AIDS

A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Our children and youth are most vulnerable to
deadly diseases, hunger and privations. In his message during the 13^th World Day of the
Sick celebrated in Yaounde, Cameroon, Pope John Paul II called on Christians to go
beyond philanthropic concerns to recognize the face of Christ the Redeemer in the features
of every suffering person.

We urge government leaders and civil authorities not to pay lip-service to the control and
eradication of HIV/AIDS pandemic. While educating young people in health care, they
should in conscience make available to citizens clear and correct information. In order to
responsibly fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, correct approach to sexuality concretised by
responsible conduct and the observance of the virtue of chastity is of paramount
importance.

We will intensify and coordinate our efforts, especially through our health-care workers,
chaplains and volunteers, in providing moral, spiritual and material help for those living
with HIV/AIDS and their relatives. We will also contribute to combating hunger a lid
privations through prayer, propagation of the Catholic Social Teaching and
implementation of initiatives of the Justice, Development and Peace commissions at all
levels.

Church and State in Partnership

We have repeatedly called for effective collaboration between the Church and the
government, especially in the areas of education, medicare and other social services. We
urge both the Federal and State governments to make this collaboration functional by
providing grants-in-aid to Church-run schools and hospitals – where it has not taken place
– so that the integral education of, and health programme for our people, especially the
young might be more securely guaranteed.

Tsunami Disaster

We have joined the rest of the world in expressing our sympathy and solidarity with the
victims of the Tsunami disaster. We thank all our faithful who contributed financially to
alleviate the sufferings of the survivors. We will continue our prayer for the deceased, the
survivors of the disaster, and their relatives.

The global expression of solidarity with regard to the Tsunami disaster is an eloquent
demonstration that the anguish and pain of individuals and of a people affect the entire
human family. We urge all people to sustain this spirit and apply it to other forms of
disaster like HIVIAIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and long-drawn conflicts, that wreak havoc on humanity in general and the continent of Africa in particular.

Special Celebrations

In this year of the Eucharist, we exhort all Catholics to give open witness of faith and
veneration for the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus awaits young people in this sacrament of love
to comfort them in their anguish, nourish their hope and sustain them in their daily
struggles. Let us take the time to adore and contemplate him, making amends for our
failings and interceding for humanity.

This year is also the year of the Bible for Africa and Madagascar. Nigeria will be hosting
a continental Bible celebration which will take place in Abuja, July 14 – 19, 2005. We
call on all Christ’s faithful, especially young people, to participate in this event which
promotes greater love for the Bible in the Church. Catholics should as individuals,
families, sodalities, movements and parishes, develop the habit of studying, praying, and
sharing the word of God that is life.

The World Youth Day will be celebrated on the international level in Cologne, Germany,
with the theme, “We have come to worship him” (Matt. 2:2). The same will be celebrated
in dioceses round the country. We pray that the event might bring to focus the needs of
the youth, as well as renew our commitment for their wellbeing.

May these various celebrations at international, national, diocesan and parish levels renew
and deepen our encounter with Christ and sustain our hope for a better future.

The Season of Lent

The season of Lent prepares us to relive the great mystery of the death and resurrection of
Christ. We charge all to spend this period “by listening to the word of God more devoutly
and by practising mortification more generously, thanks to which it is possible to render
greater assistance to those in need” (John Paul II, Message for Lent 20(5).

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Succour and Advocate, intercede for us.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Archbishop of Abuja Bishop of Umuahia

President. Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

Keeping Hope Alive

Communique at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the
Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Sabon Lugbe, Abuja
March 6 – 11, 2006

Preamble

We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First
Plenary Meeting for the year 2006 at the Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre
(DRACC), Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, from March 6 to 11, 2006. We prayerfully reflected
on and discussed the theme of the Conference, The Church in Nigeria: Keeping Hope
Alive. In the context of the season of Lent when we prepare to celebrate the hope of
new life at Easter, we issue the following communique.

Rays of Hope

Since our last plenary meeting in September 2005, this Conference has
witnessed the erection of two new dioceses of Awgu and Uromi in Nigeria and the
Episcopal Ordinations of their first Bishops, Most Reverend John Okoye and Most
Reverend Augustine Akubeze respectively. Most Rev. Martin Olorunmolu was also
ordained as the new Bishop of Lokoja to succeed the late Bishop Joseph Ajomo.
While we congratulate the new Bishops and the new dioceses, we continue to pray for
the happy repose of Bishop Ajomo.
The achievements of the current political dispensation offer us hope. Nigeria
plays commendable peace-keeping roles in war affected areas of the continent of
Africa. The telecommunications industry has made it possible for Nigerians to stay in
touch with one another and with citizens of other nations and has provided
employment for many of our youths. Various government initiatives are being
undertaken to give our country the face of a tourist friendly land. The proceeds from
Nigeria’s sale of crude oil have hit an all time high. The national census about to
begin is a step in the right direction. As stakeholders in the progress of this nation, we
have, as a Conference, expressed our opinion that religious affiliation and ethnic
origin are vital statistical data of individuals in any nation. We call on all Nigerians to
take part in the head-count.

Perduring Distress

Despite these rays of hope, the experiences of Nigerians have not matched
their expectation. Nigerians are still in dire need of stable electricity supply, clean
drinking water, and more good roads. Insecurity of life and property makes citizens
live in fear and scares visitors, investors and tourists away from our land. The scourge
of poverty is still with us despite the indices of economic growth with which we are
presented. We commend government for efforts to seek debt relief. Nigerians are
still waiting to see the positive impact of this relief. Nothing short of drastic
alleviation of the suffering of our people will convince them of the appropriateness

of government’s action. There is a feeling of hopelessness across the land. The
experience of military rule carried us nowhere. Now, the promises and expectations
of democracy are being compromised.

Within the Horizon of Easter Hope

As Shepherds of God’s people in our land, we are called to bear witness to
Christian hope. Hope is God’s gift to us firmly established in the triumph of Jesus
Christ over death. The Spirit who inspires hope is also the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the
Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Endowed with the same Spirit, the Church
has the mission to proclaim the truth which guarantees the dignity and right of the
human person. If hope is not illusory and deceitful, it has to be based on truth. We
cannot offer hope if we do not speak the truth. While “the just ordering of society and
the state is a central responsibility of politics” (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est,
28), we cannot stand aside when the dignity of God’s children is being trampled upon.
That is why we insist that ethics and morality must never be divorced from politics.
We would be failing in our mission if we do not speak and teach to direct the hearts
and minds of the citizens to shun evil and do good, in order to usher in true
development and lasting prosperity. It is to sustain true hope that we speak as
Catholic Bishops of Nigeria.

Niger Delta Crisis

The worsening crisis in the Niger Delta, resulting principally from the long-
standing social injustice against that region which contributes immensely to our
national economy is regrettable. We call On government to exercise utmost prudence
in responding to the intermittent violence there, as well as launch a more innovative
and decisive infrastructural development programme for the region than we have seen
in the past.

Recent Civil Disturbances and the Sanctity of Life

The “Cartoon” and unprovoked riots in Maiduguri, Bauchi, Kontagora,
Gombe, Katsina, Onitsha and other parts of the country, resulted in wanton
destruction of life and property. We are outraged by the violence, and we strongly
condemn the horrific killings of innocent Nigerians, both Muslims and Christians,
including Rev. Fr. Michael Gajere from Maiduguri diocese who was brutally
murdered and burnt beyond recognition. We pray for the repose of all those who lost
their lives. We console the bereaved and those wounded or maimed in the riots. We
thank all those who gave succour to refugees on account of the riots.
The destruction of life and property in the name of religion puts Nigeria to
shame. It is to be noted in some cases that while Churches, Mosques, shops and
homes were being set a blaze by arsonists, and innocent people being attacked and
viciously killed by mindless murderers, law enforcement agents did not come to their
rescue. The government is responsible for safeguarding the constitutional rights of
every Nigerian everywhere within Nigeria. No Nigerian should be made to feel
unsafe anywhere, due to religion, tribe or tongue. We state that failure of security
agencies to secure life and property is failure of government. When government fails
to live up to its responsibility in matters like this, the people are provoked to take laws
into their hands.

Examined more deeply, it would appear that these riots have been orchestrated
by people with dubious intents. There is therefore an urgent need for government to
live up to its responsibility by identifying, isolating, disarming and prosecuting
murderers and arsonists, fanatics and terrorists. Government should also ensure that
those who are behind this latest round of riots are brought to justice, and that its
promises of compensation are kept.

In Muslims who ensured the safety of Christians during the riots we see hope.
In Christians who ensured the safety of Muslims we see hope. In religious leaders
who live up to their responsibility in ensuring that religion is not hijacked by fanatics
and terrorists we also see hope. Nigeria should be a country where the dignity and
right of every human life From the womb to its natural end is respected, and never
violated by criminals under the guise of religion. It is the will of God that Nigerians
of every ethnic and religious affiliation live in unity and benefit from the resources
with which lie has blessed this laud. In line with the Christian Association of Nigeria
(C.A.N.), we direct all Catholic faithful to observe two days of prayer on March 27 –
28 for the deceased and the victims of the riots.

We are appalled at the activities of some foreign Nigerian anti-life groups
and individuals fostering the so-called Bill on the Establishment of a National
Reproductive Health Institute with dubious agenda that will not favour the sanctity of
life, marriage and the family. We urge all men and women of goodwill to join hands
in denouncing the culture of death in all its forms and promoting the culture of life.

On Constitutional Amendment.

We have, in the past, identified ourselves with the expressed need to review
the 1999 Constitution. We have not changed our stand. This country and its people
deserve a truly federal constitution which guarantees the freedom of religion and
conscience, t he autonomy of each of the three tiers of government, as well as the
realization of the legitimate aspirations of the people.

This country needs a constitution that ensures a credible system of free and
fair elections. As regards the much debated item in the amendment proposals for a
third term provision for president and governors, we urge Nigerians or all political
opinions to allow reason to prevail. If we are to sustain the hope of’ the people and
ensure peaceful development or our nation, it is necessary that:

(a) this issue be a truly fair decision of Nigerians, and not the result of

manipulation for self-perpetuation in office against the wish of the people;

(b) whatever the outcome of the debate, the eventual choice of president

and governors in 2007 must be that of the people in a free and fair election;

(c) even if a third term is made legal through a constitutional amendment
process, those presently in power should consider whether it is ethical for
them to change the rules to their advantage midway in the game.

Our country cannot live in hope if government engages in a monologue neither
listening to the people nor to the international community. Hope will be shattered if
government ignores or stifles divergent opinions on important issues. Hope will
undergo a frightening recession if government believes might is right. Hope will be
bundled into exile if arrogant use of power scares and discourages credible and

competent candidates for political offices Government should ensure that all bold
initiatives to fight corruption serve their true purpose, and are not used to target
political opponents. In line with the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching, we state with
Pope Benedict XVI who, in quoting St. Augustine, affirmed that “a State which is not
governed according to justice would be just a bunch of thieves” (Deus Caritas Est,
28). Then the people will have nothing but tears as food.

Election of New Executive

During our meeting, we had to elect a new executive to pilot the affairs of our

Conference for the next three years. They are:

President – Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Archbishop of Ibadan;
Vice-President – Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos;
Secretary – Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Bishop of Umuahia;

Assistant Secretary – Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Bishop of Abcokuta.

We pray for their successful tenure in office.

The Summons of Lent

The season of Lent summons and enjoins us to listen attentively to the Word
of God in order to reconcile with God and with one another. For Catholics,
repentance includes a return to the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and
Penance, by which we are reinvigorated to boldly, courageously and sincerely assume
our religious and civic duties. We must open ourselves for the God of hope to touch
and transform our lives, so that we might become more effective builders of peace
and collaborators in works of justice. Christian hope is not facile; it was won through
the Cross of Christ. We therefore urge all to persevere in prayer, especially the
Prayer for Nigeria in Distress and the Prayer Against Bribery and Corruption in
Nigeria. We also urge all pastors to intensify Catechesis and adhere faithfully to the
guidelines in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The Lenten summons is an
invitation to make an ethical option:

See, today I set before you life and prosperity, death and disaster. If
you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin on
you today, if you love the Lord your God and follow his ways, … you
will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land
which you are entering to make your own (Deuteronomy 30: 15, 16).

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother 0f Hope and Comfort of the
Afflicted intercede for us.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Archbishop of Abuja Bishop of Umuahia

President. Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

TOWARDS SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

Communique issued at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Crest Hotel and Gardens, Old Airport Road, Jos,

Plateau State, September 8^th – 13^th, 2008.

PREAMBLE
We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our Second

Plenary Meeting for the year 2008 at the Crest Hotel and Gardens, Old Airport Road,
Jos, Plateau State, September 8^th – 13^th, 2008. Having prayerfully reflected on and
discussed issues related to the Church and the nation, we present the following
communique.

GRATITUDE TO GOD
We thank God and express our gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI,

who appointed Msgr Jude Thaddeus Okolo, a priest of Nnewi Diocese as Nuncio to Chad
and the Central African Republic. The Episcopal ordination of Msgr Jude Okolo will take
place at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, on Saturday, 27^th September 2008.
He will be the first Nuncio of Nigerian origin and the third from Africa. We equally thank
God for our four new bishops, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye as Co-adjutor Bishop of Ekiti
Diocese; Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma who replaced Bishop Gregory Ochiagha as
Bishop of Orlu; Most Rev. John Niyiring, OSA who replaced Bishop Patrick Francis
Sheehan, OSA as Bishop of Kano, and Most Rev. Charles Hammawa as the Bishop of
Jalingo Diocese who succeeds Bishop James Daman now the Bishop of Shendam
Diocese. We wish Bishop Sheehan and Bishop Ochiagha a peaceful retirement and
many more years of good health and service in the Lord’s vineyard.

III. HAPPY EVENTS

We congratulate the Archdiocese of Ibadan and the Diocese of Umuahia, the

respective Local Ordinaries and their faithful on their Golden Jubilee celebrations.

We express our good wishes to His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze and His Excellency, Most Rev. Anthony Gbuji who are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their priestly Ordination this year. Cardinal Arinze will celebrate his Golden Jubilee at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, Onitsha, on Saturday 20^th December 2008, while that of Bishop Gbuji.

We also rejoice that Veritas University Abuja (VUNA) established by our Conference will take off this October 2008. We again pledge to provide an integral and functional
education for the youth, in order to assist in the moral and social transformation of our
country.

lV. SOME SIGNS OF HOPE

We commend the one year in office of President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua. We
note an increase in peace and tranquility, religious coexistence, fairness and the rule of
law. We appreciate his seven-point agenda and look forward to their full
implementation. We appeal to all Nigerians to embrace the agenda and contribute to
make them work. We urge the president not to lose focus, but to continue his positive

agenda for our nation’s political stability and socio-economic development. Above all, he
should earnestly sustain the fight against corruption at all levels of the society. The
failure of leaders to live simply perpetuates the scourge of corruption. There is need for
the Judiciary to speed up judgements in election tribunals and other pending cases in
the law courts.

We commend the Niger-Delta Development Council (NDDC) – Church
consultations through which government agencies of the Niger-Delta region collaborate
with Christian leaders in solving problems in the region and charting the way forward.
As partners in social progress and following Christ, the Sun of Justice and Prince of
Peace, the Church continues to offer her prayers, wisdom and charitable works for the
welfare of the suffering and needy.
Dialogue between Christians and Muslims is bearing fruit In some areas, leading
to greater tolerance, harmonious coexistence and peace. This should be extended,
promoted and sustained in every part of the country. Government at all levels should
strengthen the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) as a means towards promoting
religious freedom, unity and progress among Nigerians.
PERSISTENT SOCIAL ILLS
Despite huge capital investments in the power sector, incessant power failure is

still the lot of Nigerians, creating an atmosphere of despair. Insecurity, characterized by
spates of armed robbery, kidnapping and killings, adds to this sense of hopelessness.
Corruption still remains unabated. The consideration of merit in admission into
institutions of learning, employment and promotion, has been thrown to the wind.
Nepotism and mediocrity seem to have been elevated to an art.

The petroleum fire disaster in Ijegun which took the lives of many Nigerians
illustrates the volatile nature of the nation’s social life. Government should do more to
prevent all man-made disasters. Pipelines should not be carelessly exposed but buried
deep. Strict regulations for building structures should be put in place and enforced to
forestall any subsequent collapse. Rivers and water ways should be checked and
drained, to reduce the occurrence of erosion and over-flooding. More fire-fighting
equipment should be strategically located to deal with any fire-accidents.
THE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS
The Global Food Crisis has been attested to by world leaders at the recent Food

and Agriculture Organization (FAD) meeting in Rome. This raises deep questions about
the state of agriculture In Nigeria. Given our overdependence on the oil sector, the
agricultural sector is still grossly neglected. Government policy on agriculture is often
not properly thought through, haphazardly implemented, or aborted mid-way. The
fertilizer subsidized by the government to boost agriculture Is sadly left at the hands of
the greedy rich who buy from the government and sell to poor farmers at cut-throat
prices,

In the past, we called for efforts towards rural development which reduces the rate of
the exodus from rural to urban areas and from agriculture to white-collar jobs. We
stated that “whatever encourages farming, whatever enhances the attractiveness of the farms whatever reverses the flow of the nation’s manpower from rural to urban centres,

deserves prompt and serious attention of government.” (CBCN Communique at Ibadan,
1978). Agriculture remains the basis for any viable economy. We are happy to note
that the president’s seven point agenda for development has agriculture as one of its
priorities.

VII. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND RESPECT FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
10. We cannot talk of democracy without the freedom of information duly put in
place to make it work. The free flow of information promotes participation which is the
engine that drives democracy. The hoarding of information, on the contrary, leads to
dictatorship, corruption, marginalization and anarchy.

We glibly dream of a greater future if we do not sufficiently recognize/ protect,
defend and promote the dignity of our children. While recognizing the rights of parents
over their Children, no government can honestly fulfill its constitutional duty which
neglects the rights of the weak and defenceless citizens, especially children. We
denounce all crimes inflicted on children which exploit their vulnerability in the form of
child-labour, child-soldier, child-trafficking, pedophilia, etc. Economic development
should grossly take into account the needs of children.

VIII. CALL FOR INITIAL AND ONGOING FORMATION

The social ills discussed above highlight the need for deeper formation of all the
agents of evangelization. Given the rapid and complex nature of development,
especially in the socio-economic sector, the Church in Nigeria is increasingly being
challenged to engage with the people and nation. Aware of our grave responsibility in
the spiritual, moral and social transformation of our society, we call for an intensification
of programmes for initial and ongoing formation of all pastoral agents in Nigeria,
especially the priests and religious. Priests and religious are challenged to be authentic
witnesses of the Gospel through a life characterized by simplicity and leadership service.
We call on all Nigerians to shun ostentatious life styles and appeal to the rich to live
simply, so that others may simply live. Formation of the laity, especially in the Church’s
Social Doctrine, is to be given emphasis. Catechesis, including family and youth
apostolate, is to be renewed and strengthened.
WORLD FAMILY DAY
The World Family Day will be celebrated in Mexico in January 2009. It is an occasion when the

dignity and rights of the family are brought to world attention. The
family remains the cell of the society and the domestic Church. We wish to remind
families of the grave obligation to transmit to their members the moral values, spiritual
heritage and cultural legacy, indispensable for good citizenship.

THE JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. PAUL AND THE SYNOD ON THE WORD OF GOD
The Jubilee Year of St. Paul (June 2008 – June 2009) is a year of renewal on the
mission of the Church, especially as an agent of truth, justice, development and peace.
All the clergy, religious and lay members of Christ’s faithful in Nigeria are called upon to
imitate the zeal and follow the footsteps of St. Paul in preaching the Good News in
season and out of season. Providentially, the Church also celebrates the Synod of Bishops in

Rome this October on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,
The Synod preparatory documents stress Lectio Divina (spiritual reading) as an effective
pastoral instrument and a valuable tool in the Church in the education and pastoral
formation of priests, religious and lay people. We urge pastors to enthrone the bible
and celebrate bible-service more frequently; promote bible-study and bible sharing as
important means of renewal in faith and moral.

CONCLUSION
Today’s globalization presents great challenges to developing nations such as
Nigeria. A nation should pursue the integral development of its people. Nigeria must
embrace the Millennium Development Goals and work for the integrated development of
its people. Good socio-economic programes already exist, such as the National Action
for Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the National Economic Empowerment
Development Strategy (NEEDS). All that is needed is sincerity, commitment and
diligence on the part of the leaders and the masses. Sectors like education, agriculture,
health, employment should be given urgent attention. Democracy can only be
consolidated through a recommitment to due process and the rule of Law.
We acknowledge that the renewal of the Church and our nation will not be fully
realized without divine assistance. Relying on the strength of Christ, St. Paul the Great
Apostle to the Gentiles said “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil 4: 13).
So, we rely on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, treasure and trust in his words. We
ask the indefatigable preacher of the truth and teacher of the nations to intercede for
us, so that we might be fearless in standing for the truth and pouring out our lives as
libation for the good of our country.

May Mary, Queen of Nigeria, Mother of the Word Incarnate and Star of Evangelization
pray for us.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Archbishop of Abuja Bishop of Umuahia

President. Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria Secretary, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

WE LEAD ONLY IF WE SERVE

Communique at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference
Centre Lugbe, Abuja

February 22 – 27, 2010

PREAMBLE

We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for
the year 2010 at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe, Abuja. In the
spirit of the Year for Priests (June 19,2009 – June 28, 2010), declared by the Holy Father Pope Benedict
XVI, we prayerfully reflected on the theme: “The Faithfulness of Christ to His Father as Model for
Priests”. We now present our communique to the Church and to the nation.

EVENTS IN THE CHURCH

We recall that on April 18, 1950, Pope Pius XIl declared the Catholic Church in Nigeria a local
Sixty years ago. Lagos and Onitsha were erected Metropolitan Sees, while Calabar, Benin City,
Ondo and Owerri became dioceses. Today, to the glory of God. the Church in Nigeria is constituted of 9
Metropolitan Sees. 41 dioceses. and 2 vicariates. In 1950, there was no single Nigerian Bishop. Today,
we have only two non-Nigerian Bishops. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the missionaries of old who
brought the faith to us. and the generous response of our people, the Church in Nigeria has come of age.
Indeed, three of our clergy have become Cardinals, a few are in the diplomatic service of the Church. and a good number in the Curia of the Holy See and of different religious institutes. Our lay men and women participate actively in Commissions in the Vatican. They are a pride to the local Church and to our country.

Since our last Plenary Meeting, which took place in Kafanchan, Kaduna State from September 7
to 12, 2009, the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa took place at the Vatican City from October 4 – 25,
2009.

On February 2, 2010, the Holy Father. Pope Benedict XVI has appointed a new Apostolic Nuncio
to Nigeria. He is Archbishop Augustine Kasujja who hails from Uganda. We congratulate him, and we
look forward to years of collaboration with him as he arrives Nigeria on March 20, 2010.

Through the ministry of the Successor of St Peter, Christ, our Good Shepherd and High Priest
who never ceases to care for his Church, has appointed Right Rev. Msgr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade as Co- adjutor Bishop of Ondo. His episcopal ordination will take place in Akure. Ondo State, on May 6, 2010. We rejoice with the Bishop-elect. and we ask the Lord to bless him in his new ministry.

On November 18. 2009, in succession to Bishop Julius Adelakun who has retired, Most Rev.

Emmanuel Badejo was installed Bishop of Oyo. And on May 1, 2010, in succession to Bishop Michael

Fagun, who is retiring, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye will be installed Bishop of Ekiti. May the Lord bless them as they assume the task of shepherds in their dioceses.

Three of our brother Bishops have answered the final call. Bishop Anthony Saliu Sansui,
Emeritus Bishop of Jibe Ode, the oldest Bishop in Nigeria, died on December 8, 2009, and was buried in
Jibe Ode on December. 17, 2009. Bishop Christopher Abba of Yola died on January 10,2010, and was
buried in Yola on January 28,2010, while Bishop John Moore of Bauchi died on January 20, 2010, and
was buried in Ireland on January 23,2010. There will be a Memorial Mass and celebration of his life on
May 20, 2010 in Bauchi. May these faithful and devoted shepherds rest in the eternal comfort of the
Father’s house.

In the meantime, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos has been appointed Apostolic
Administrator of Bauchi until a new Bishop is appointed.

YEAR FOR PRIESTS, YEAR OF RENEWED FOCUS

For us who are priests, this year has given us an opportunity to renew and deepen our own focus
on Christ, the one and unique High Priest, who has counted us worthy to stand in his presence and serve
him (Cf Second Eucharistic Prayer). In faithfulness to his Father’s will, and in the depth of his love for
all men and women, he who came not to be served but to serve offered on the cross an acceptable
sacrifice to his heavenly Father by giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). On the night
before he died, he gave a lasting memorial of this sacrifice in the Holy Eucharist when he commanded his
disciples: “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). This one and unrepeatable sacrifice that Christ
offered to the Father on Calvary is made present once again in the Eucharist where his word and the Holy
Spirit transform the bread and wine into his body and blood. In the Eucharist, the Gospel of salvation is
proclaimed to us, and we receive our High Priest who serves us himself as food for our nourishment.
Christ continues to make the sacrifice he offered once and for all present through the action of his priests.
In the Sacrament of Ordination, he communicates his Holy Spirit to his priests and thus configures them
to himself. He who is the Priest, the Prophet and the Good Shepherd makes them into new persons
sharing in his three-fold office. With this, every priest is able to act in the person of Christ (in persona
Christi).
The Year for Priests is, in fact, a year for the whole Church. For the Church herself is the priestly
community of God. Scripture describes the Church in these words: “You are a chosen race, a holy nation,
a priestly people, a people set apart to proclaim the wonderful acts of God who called you out of darkness
into his own marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The whole Church is a community bearing the priestly
character of Christ. Every member of Christ’s body, every member of this priestly community, is called
to offer a holy and living sacrifice to God in thanksgiving to God for his wonderful act of salvation. In
offering this sacrifice of praise, the priestly community is led by those in the Church who are ordained to
the ministerial priesthood. Of those who exercise this ministry, St Augustine of Hippo wisely wrote: “We
are leaders and we are servants. We lead, but only if we serve.” Like Christ, we priests are to lead by
serving. We are not to lord it over the people (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-5).

The priest is not ordained for the members of our faith alone but for all men and women. Called
to be priests, we are called to be imitators of Christ in his faithfulness to the Father and in his limitless
love for all men and women in the total gift of ourselves. As priests, leaders of God’s people, we too can
only lead when we serve ourselves as food, as bread broken to satisfy the hunger of many, and as wine,
poured out as blood to give fullness of life to the lifeless. Christ leads us to salvation by his death on the
cross. We who are his priests are to lead by dying to self.
Nigeria is blessed with many priests who serve within and outside Nigeria. We who used to receive
missionaries now send missionaries to other countries. While we thank the Lord for the gift of
missionary vocations in Nigeria, we commend all our brother priests, our closest collaborators, for their
life and ministry, and for the witness value they represent in the Church and in the world. As Bishops, we
pledge to lead in the renewal of faithfulness to core values of the Catholic priesthood: simplicity of life,
humility and celibate chastity. We rededicate ourselves to the task of ensuring that only those who desire
to serve and not to be served will be trained for and accepted to the priesthood. We urge our lay faithful
to be mindful of the fact that good priests are born and raised in good families and good parish
communities. Since, according to the letter to the Hebrews, “Every high priest is chosen from among
men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins” (Heb 5: I), it
follows that the quality of Christian family life is itself an antecedent to good priestly vocations.

A NATION IN NEED OF FAITHFULNESS

We note that the Year for Priests and the 50^th year of Nigeria’s Independence providentially
overlap. Fifty years after Independence, our country faces many challenges. We are in dire need of
good governance at federal, state and local levels. We need to imbibe a culture of organizing free and fair
elections. We must have the political will and build the capacity to fight corruption. The challenge of
providing infrastructure is exemplified in chronic energy crisis and a dangerous road network. Nigerians
must have equal opportunities to gain access to the wealth of our land. We as a nation have the obligation
to tackle the twin problem of unemployment and poverty which largely explains the high level of
insecurity in the country. While we commend government for the amnesty process which has brought
relative peace to the Niger Delta, we insist that post-amnesty programmes must be faithfully
implemented. As was said at the end of the last Synod of Bishops for Africa, “We call on all to allow
themselves to be reconciled to God. It is this that opens the way to genuine reconciliation among
persons” (Message of the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa, n.7). As priests, we offer ourselves as
agents of reconciliation in a country where many are wounded.

How can we live with the contradiction of providing large contingents of peace keeping forces in
the troubled spots of Africa while, in our own country, hostility between ethnic and religious communities
recur within our borders? How is it that Nigerians end up as refugees in a country they call their own?
With the spreading scourge of abduction, we must ask: why and how is it that Nigerians do not feel safe
in their homeland?

The many challenges we face may be reduced to one. It is the challenge of faithfulness. Indeed,
the 50^th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence challenges us to reflect on the challenge of faithfulness in

the life of our country. In reflecting on the faithfulness of Christ to the mission his Father gave him, we
recognize that to be faithful to Nigeria, every citizen must be truthful to our God-given identity and
mission as a nation and as individuals. To be faithful is to be truthful to God, to others, to our
compatriots, and to our own selves. In the National Pledge, the Nigerian pledges to our country “to be
faithful, loyal and honest” and “to serve Nigeria with all my strength”.

We reflect on the faithfulness of Christ at a time when an air of uncertainty surrounds our beloved
country. While we are faced with a crisis of leadership that is rooted in unwillingness to be truthful in
handling issues of governance, we recognize that the faithfulness of Christ challenges all who lead in
religious and civil spheres to be faithful to their responsibilities as leaders.

As we prepare to mark 50 years of Independence, we need to build a nation motivated by truth,
founded on truth, with an orientation to the truth, governed by truth and governed in truth. Our children
and our children’s children deserve nothing less than this from us. Government and its functionaries
should not be seen as working very hard to show that they cannot be trusted. That is why, while we pray
for the continued recovery of President Umaru Yar’Adua, we deplore the contempt with which Nigerians
have been repeatedly denied knowledge of his whereabouts and the true state of his health. When leaders
truly serve they are truthful to those they lead. The immorality of dishonesty undermines the authority of
government. When leaders truly serve that is when they truly lead.

Government officials assault the psyche of the citizen when their exercise of authority is lacking
in transparency and honesty. They violate the citizen’s right to good governance. A leadership that truly
serves is accountable to the people. It is by so doing that government really protects the people, and
protection of the people is the first obligation of government.

Faithfulness and credibility also obliges us as a nation to fight the evil of corruption which has
made of us an impoverished people living in a richly endowed land. Organs of government put in place
to fight corruption must be manned by faithful and competent patriots who will protect the interests of
Nigerians and not the interests of those who steal with impunity. The resources with which the Almighty
has blessed Nigeria are such that Nigerians should live in comfort in their own country and not have to be
subjected to indignities in foreign lands. If Nigerians are deprived of comfort by corrupt government
officials who go unpunished, if the Police that is expected to protect the Nigerian citizen intimidates,
tortures and kills the same citizen, it will be difficult to insist that foreign countries respect the human
dignity of the Nigerian at their embassies, immigration posts, and in their cities.

THE 2010 ELECTIONS

The year 2011 will be another year of test of our faithfulness as individuals and as a nation.

Faithfulness to Nigeria must show itself in a credible electoral process. The fact that we are a young
democracy is no excuse for a flawed electoral process. Fifty years after Independence, we must exercise
a collective will to organize elections we can be proud of. For at the end of such elections, there are no
losers, all are winners. We calion political parties and their members, the electoral commission and its
officials, the police and the electorate to work together so that ours can be a democracy in name and in
fact. We also call on the National Assembly to expedite action in making effective laws for the reform of

our electoral process. The fact that the recent gubernatorial election in Anambra State took place in
relative peace and tranquility, despite its logistical problems, shows that we have a positive experience to
build upon.

CONCLUSION

The many problems we face in Nigeria can be overcome if we are faithful in doing the will of
God and if, renouncing selfishness, we place ourselves at the loving service of our brothers and sisters.
This is the time for us to show the positive transformation that our religious traditions can bring to this
country.

On our part, we pledge to use our priestly life and ministry to serve God and our nation. We
commend our country Nigeria into the hands of God. We ask our lay faithful to continue to support their
priests especially with prayers and wise counsels.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests and Queen of Nigeria,
may the blessings of Christ, the faithful High Priest, be upon Nigeria.

Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job
President

Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins
Secretary

WITNESSING TO THE LOVE OF GOD

(Communique issued at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe, Abuja, March 12-19, 2011.)

PREAMBLE

We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for
the year 20 II at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC) Lugbe, Abuja. Having prayerfully reflected on the theme: “The Church in Nigeria and the Challenges of Mission and Evangelization in the World Today”, we now present our communique to the Church and to the nation.

EVENTS IN THE CHURCH

After our last Plenary Meeting, which took place in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, from September 11-
18,2010. Most Rev. Camillus Urnoh was ordained Bishop of Ikot-Ekpene on October 9, Most
Rev. Jude Arogundade publicly assumed office as Bishop of Ondo on January 14. 2011 in succession to Most Rev. Francis Alonge who has retired.

We congratulate Right Rev. Msgr Stephen Dami Mamza who has just been appointed Bishop of
Yola in succession to Most Rev. Christopher Abba of blessed memory. Msgr Mamza’s Episcopal
ordination and installation will take place in Yola on April 7,2011.

We thank the Lord for the gift of new shepherds for his Church in Nigeria. May he bless them
with wisdom and courage to lead the Church in her mission of spreading the Good News to all the world. May all our Bishops-emeriti be blessed with good health. And may our Bishops who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith be admitted into our heavenly homeland.

With the Universal Church, we joyfully look forward to the beatification of Pope John Paul II, which will take place in Rome on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.20 II. We recall that during his
Pontificate. This great friend of Nigeria made interventions on behalf of the people of Nigeria. especially during critical moments in our history.

We hope that Veritas University of Nigeria Abuja (VUNA), the University of the Catholic
Church in Nigeria, will move to its permanent site in Abuja this year. We thank all our benefactors, while we continue to count on the generosity of all men and women of good will.

OUR MISSION

The Church that is the fruit of mission has a mission. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the
Father sent the Son who preached the Good News of our salvation, gathering together all who believe.

Evangelized to evangelize, the Church is to spread the love of God to all the earth. She exists to
bear witness to the Good News that in Christ’s death and resurrection, God has conquered evil. He who was lifted up on the cross has gathered all men and women to himself in the Church which is sign and instrument of communion with God and of unity among men and women (Cf. John 12:33: Lumen Gentium. I).

In times past following Christ’s injunction to the apostles, “Go out to the whole world,

proclaim the good news to all creation” (Mark 16: 15), missionaries came to Nigeria from other lands bearing this Good News. Today, we thank the Lord for many Nigerian missionaries-priests, religious

brothers and sisters. and lay faithful-who work on almost every continent. Most of them are doing
excellent work and making us proud where they live and work. They are good ambassadors of Christ and
of our nation.

The Church’s mission is the globalization of the love of Christ. Since our Church is Catholic,
that is, universal. we continue to welcome missionaries of other lands even as we send missionaries to
other lands.

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, seeing the vibrancy of the Church in Nigeria, has asked her
to accept to take charge of mission territories in other parts of the world. In this era of new
evangelization. when the world thirsts anew for the love of God, we gladly accept this call to mission.
Just as Churches in other lands supported their missionaries sent to our land, the Church in Nigeria is
being called upon to undertake mission outside her territories and to be ready to provide spiritual and
material support for her missionaries in foreign lands.

We welcome the initiatives of Pope Benedict XVI in establishing a Vatican Department for New
Evangelization and in convoking a Synod on the New Evangelization which will take place from October
7-28.2012. These will provide an added impetus to our efforts.

Our mission is to be carried out with politeness, respecting the freedom of conscience of ever-,
person even as we carry out the injunction of our Lord. Our mission is not to impose but to propose our
faith. Our mission is to enable every man, woman and child to see in every human being the face of God
whose love does not discriminate.

GROWING A NEW NIGERIA

In fidelity to our mission to bear witness to the love of Christ and in imitation of our illustrious predecessors in the Catholic episcopate in Nigeria, we have published a Joint Pastoral Letter entitled Growing a New Nigeria. This letter is to mark the so” anniversary of Nigeria’s political independence. On October 1, 1960, the day Nigeria gained political independence from British rule, our predecessors offered their reflections on “important religious

and social issues” affecting Nigeria then.
Fifty years later, we write “to call the attention of a II our dear people of Nigeria to the fact that
notwithstanding the lapse of time, many important issues raised in the Pastoral Letter of October I. 1960
continue to face Nigeria today.”

In our letter, we reflected on the greatness and on the missed opportunities of our country. We
thanked the Lord whose gift of authentic freedom is a blessing and a responsibility. We honoured the
memory of the men and women who, by their heroic efforts and noble struggle, were instruments in the
hands of divine providence.

The freedom given to us on October I. 1960 was “a call to duty, a call to work for one nation
bound in freedom. peace and unity. Only a truly free people can work for authentic development.
Only a free people can choose credible and competent leaders to. govern their land in the midst of the
many challenges of nationhood which we continue to face. For this reason, we quoted in our letter what
our predecessors said in 1960: “Only a free people can look other peoples in the face: only an atmosphere of freedom makes possible the blossoming of those social institutions and cultural efforts that express the
genius of a people; only a free country can make its contribution towards the building up of world
economy and social order.

In short, freedom alters the mental climate of a country and inspires the
pursuit of spiritual and material greatness.” (Quoted in Growing a New Nigeria, 6). We therefore counsel
Nigerians to continue on the path of democracy, in a system of government where the state exists to
enable and not to disable the people. Democracy protects our freedom, and good education protects our
democracy by teaching us to work for the common good.

With this Joint Pastoral Letter, we extend a hand of sincere friendship and solidarity to every
Nigerian irrespective of religious, ethnic or gender differences. We present this letter “in the spirit of our
common quest for the truth and the good”, and we urge all Catholics, and indeed all Nigerians, the leaders
and the led, to read, discuss and implement its contents.

OVERCOMING VIOLENCE AND CORRUPTION

We express our sympathy to all who are affected by violence in our country. We also

commend our security agencies for the measures they are taking to overcome the evil of violence. Yet,
we must admit that we have not overcome the problem of insecurity. While the spate of kidnapping
seems to have decreased, cases of armed robbery are still rampant. Furthermore, there are places in
Nigeria where many innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered for the simple fact that their religious,
political and or ethnic affiliations are different from those of their murderers.

As we said in our Joint Pastoral Letter, despite the opinion in some quarters that religion threatens
our democracy, we recognize that religion is the soul of good education and is for the common good. We
must refrain from the use of religion to divide our people. We therefore caution against the blasphemous
use of religion as an instrument for seeking power, profit and relevance.

Civil authorities, at federal, state and local government levels, must intensify their efforts to
protect all human rights in our nation, especially the right to freedom of worship in every square meter of
our national territory. The life and property of every Nigerian must be secured. We all must rise above
fanatical religious exclusivism, to respect every other citizen’s right to life, right to practice their religion
and right to pursue their legitimate aspirations within one nation.

We also observe that despite the existence of two anti-corruption agencies, the cancer of
corruption continues to eat away at the fabric of our beloved country. Corruption makes it extremely
difficult for us to embark on any meaningful project. Funds allocated for the provision of infrastructure
end up in the pockets of some public officials and their friends in the private sector, leaving us with
dilapidated infrastructure. The consequence is a low standard of living that has conferred on Nigerians the
dubious distinction of paupers living in a land of huge wealth. We call for a renewed appreciation of the
fact that honesty is the best policy.

Since there are laws against acts of violence and corruption in our country, we insist that all those
who are involved in violent and corrupt activities be brought to book.

TOWARDS FREE AND FAIR 2011 ELECTIONS

By Divine Providence, our First Plenary Meeting of this year took place as the nation

prepares for the 2011 elections. Nigerians and the international community ask: shall we get it right this
time?

We note with apprehension that elections may be taking place in an atmosphere of violence in
some parts of Nigeria. We are equally apprehensive of pockets of election related violence in other parts
of the country. We therefore wish to call on all political office seekers to exercise restraint and prevail on
their supporters to eschew any temptation to violence. Politicians should avoid mudslinging, bickering,
use of abusive language, blackmail and all ether utterances and actions capable of breaching peace.

In addition to the problem of violence, the poison of corruption in our country makes her a fertile
ground for fraudulent electoral process. Not only officials of the electoral commission, but also law
enforcement agents, members of the judiciary, and even voters are exposed to the strong and seemingly
overwhelming temptation to taste the forbidden fruit of corruption which threatens the electoral process
and its outcome.

We gladly and deeply appreciate the President’s repeated assurance that this year’s elections
will be free and fair. The Independent National Electoral Commission, for its part, must live up to its
responsibility of organizing elections whose outcome will substantially reflect the wishes of the people
and earn the respect of the international community. Political parties must ensure that their supporters
behave like law-abiding citizens. The Police must ensure the security of voting materials, of voters and of
the votes.

We take cognizance of the fact that even in countries of long-standing democratic traditions, the
consolidation of democracy is always an ongoing task. We admit that in our voting democracy we still
see a great need for a level-playing ground for all contestants in intra and inter party elections. The
responsibility of providing a level-playing ground belongs, not only to the President, but also to every
Governor, Local Government Chairman, and Party Chairman. Candidates and parties should have equal
amount of time and space allotted to them in the media. They should also have equal access to campaign
venues. The repeated assurance of the President must be made and meant by all other political office
holders who are standing for re-election.

The challenges that face us as a nation cannot be met without a credible and competent
leadership. But a credible and competent leadership cannot emerge through an electoral process riddled
with corruption and violence. That is why the coming elections are crucial, and that is why we renew the
plea in our Joint Pastoral Letter, Growing a New Nigeria: “we urge all politicians, the electoral
commission, law enforcement agencies, and all those whose services are needed for a credible election, to
make the election of 2011 a Golden Jubilee gift to Nigeria.”

CONCLUSION

We sympathize with victims of the earthquake in Japan. May the Lord be their consolation
and strength in this hour of trial. The challenges we face in our world and in our country underline the relevance and urgency of the Church’s mission. The season of Lent teaches and prepares us to undertake
this mission. With lessons in humility, truth and integrity; in the spirit and practice of prayer, fasting and
sharing of the good things of life with the needy, we can and we must build a civilization of love.

On our part, we renew our pledge to use our priestly life and ministry to serve God, our nation and the world. Priests and religious are reminded that Church law forbids their participation in partisan
politics so that they can be more effective in carrying out the Church’s mission. We ask our lay faithful
to continue to support their priests especially with prayers and wise counsels. Let us use this season of
Lent to intensify our Prayer for Nigeria in Distress and Prayer Against Bribery and Corruption.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria, we invoke on our beloved country the love of the Father through Christ Jesus in the unity of the Holy Spirit now and forever.

+Felix Alaba Job
Archbishop of Ibadan

President

+Alfred Adewale Martins
Bishop of Abeokuta

Secretary

EDUCATION AND NATION BUILDING

Communique at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the
Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre Lugbe, Abuja, February 25 – March 2,2012

PREAMBLE

We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, hold our First Plenary Meeting for the year 2012 at
the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe, Abuja. Having prayerfully reflected on the them

“Catholic Education and the New Evangelization”, we now present our communique to the Church and to the nation.

EVENTS IN THE CHURCH

On February 2, 2012, Most Rev Anselm Umoren was ordained Auxilliary Bishop of Abuja. On the same day, the

Holy Father appointed Monsignor Bulus Dauwa Yohanna Vicar Apostolic of Kontagora Vicariate He succeeds Bishop
Timothy Carrol, SMA. His Episcopal ordination will take place In Kontagora on May 3, 2012

We thank God for the gift of longevity granted Their Excellencies. Most Rev Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, Archbishop
Emeritus of Benin City, Most Rev Anthony Gbuji: Bishop Emeritus of Enugu: and Most Rev Alexius Makozi. Bishop
Emeritus of Port Harcourt. who celebrated their 80^th birthdays on October 31, November 1, 2011, and February 2012
respectively. From September 27 to October 2, 2011, we celebrated the 2^nd National Mission Congress at the Seminary of Peter and Paul, lbadan

STATE OF OUR NATION

Nigeria has been lottering through trials for quite a number of years. She has lost many lives and precious time that could

have been used to bring about authentic development in our land.

The year 2012 began with the ill-timed removal of fuel subsidy, and eight days of protests that shut down our
economy, resulting in loss of precious lives and trillions of naira We hope on-going investigation into the petroleum sector
will lead us in the direction of judicious use of Nigeria’s God given oil wealth. We also that those who are found to
have unlawfully enriched themselves in this sector will be made to face justice.

The fuel subsidy was preceded by a shutdown of the universities that already began towards the end of the
year 2011. We are happy that the universities have reopened and we hope government and our teachers wil
treat matters of university education with the care they deserve.

Security

The year 2011 confirmed our worst fears that our country, already faced with poverty, corruption and the collapse of
infrastructure, now faces the problem of terrorisrn and its attendant refugee situation within her boundaries.

We mourn the sacrilege at St Theresa’s Catholic Church. Madalla, Niger State, where, on Christmas Day,
innocent Christian worshippers celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace. and some passersby
killed in a bomb blast. We equally mourn the loss of innocent Muslims and Christians who died as a result of
terrorist attacks in Kano on January 20, 2012 We are sad that, as we speak, there continues to be reports of bomb blasts
and gunshots in Maiduguri. Damaturu, Kaduna, Bauchi and Jos, to mention but these.

While perpetrators of these terrorist acts have repeatedly claimed to be promoting Islam and the establishment of
an Islamic State of Nigeria, it is gratifying and commendable that respectable leaders of Islam all across Nigeria have
clearly disowned and rejected them as a band of murderous fanatics But it is not sufficient to denounce and disown these
terrorist acts. Since their perpetrators belong to the house of Islam, the house of has a responsibility to itself and to
our collective security to explore ways of checking the activities of this group which claims to be acting in the name of
Islam Indeed, responsibility for our collective security cuts across religious divides. In this regard, we must not fail to acknowledge that the Boko Haram crisis also brought the best out of many Nigerians. We applaud the exemplary gesture
of civility whereby Muslims protected Christians while praying, and Christians protected Muslims while praying.

We reiterate that the provision of security of life and property is the first obligation of the state. A government that
fails in this regard cannot succeed in any other venture We have, in the past, called the attention of government to the
inadequacies of our security agencies. Such inadequacies make it quite easy for fanatics to disturb the peace of our
country.

We note that government is taking some security measures to stem the tide of terrorism in Nigeria. We appreciate
the fact that some suspects have been arrested, and we hope that their internal and external sponsors will soon be
identified and apprehended. Justice must take its course.

Dialogue and Reconciliation

But beyond security measures, we see in these disturbing days an opportune moment for dialogue and
reconciliation. Free citizens do not need the permission of government to discuss how the affairs of their country are to be
directed. Nigerians are free to discuss the right way to order the affairs of this country. Indeed, they are already doing
that. What we need is a legislature that has its ears on the ground, ready to listen to the yearnings of Nigerians, and
politically willing to make far reaching constitutional reforms

Our rules of engagement as a country are quite weak That is why some would want to use real and contrived
grievances about impoverishment, marginalization or neglect to justify the crime of destruction of innocent human lives and
hard-earned property. Given defects in our present Constitution, Nigeria needs a Constitution that unambiguously
guarantees fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen irrespective of where he or she chooses to settle and live. She is
in dire need of government-at federal, state and local levels-that protects these rights, of a judiciary that impartially
interprets the rights.

NEED FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

The crises we face in Nigeria border is on how we can live and work together in civility. It is the task of intelligent

regulation of our common life for the sake of the common good. It is the moral and religious obligation to acknowledge our
common humanity and our common citizenship even as we acknowledge our ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural
diversity. Ignorance nourishes xenophobia, that is, fear of persons of different idenitities.

Quality education produces citizens who will work for the establishment and maintenance of a just socio-economic and
political order. It is the antidote for the recurring and related problems of poverty, corruption, insecurity and incompetence
in our land. Indeed, the task of building a better Nigeria begins with the provision of quality education. Yet, Nigeria must
avoid a reductionist conception of education. For, in the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “real education is not possible
without the light of the truth-the truth about good and evil” (Message on the World Day of Peace, January 1,2012, n. 2)

Quality education involves the formation of the whole person, that is, the human person in his or her spiritual,
intellectual, moral and technical dimensions. It is rooted in and animated by spiritual values. Does not the evil of science
without morality stare us in the face? Technical education without ethical values creates persons who promote a culture
of death. The terrorists in our midst are without doubt well educated in the technique of making explosives. In the same
way, religion without the use of the intellect makes us intolerant of other people’s religious beliefs. Faith without reason
breeds fanatics. Artisans of a new Nigeria-religious leaders, politicians, civil servants, business men and women,
parents-need holistic education.

RELIGION IN EDUCATION

Nigeria is a country where majority of the population is made up of people who profess one religious belief or the
other, and some people have found it convenient to blame religion for the problems of Nigeria. For this reason, they would
want to banish religion from places of learning. But Nigeria’s problems, even as they have religious dimensions, should
not be blamed on religion but on the abuse of religion and on the failure of the state. What we are experiencing are the unpleasant consequences of leaving matters of religious instructions to ill-
prepared teachers. That is why, rather than exclude religion from the sphere of education, this, in fact, is the time to bring
religion and education together. It is by bringing religion and education together that we bring faith and reason together
and avoid the formation of religious fanatics in our midst. Without religion, “public life is sapped of its motivation and
politics takes on a domineering and aggressive character. Human rights risk being ignored either because they are robbed

of their transcendent foundation or because personal freedom is not acknowledged” (Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in

Veritate, n.56).

Above all, the goal of real education is to teach us to love: to love God above all things, and to love our
neighbours because, despite their different religious, ethnic or cultural affiliations, God loves them. It is by pursuing this
objective that education fosters a just socio-economic and political order. Nigeria is in dire need of education that
promotes love, and love integrates a diverse population to work for authentic development.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN EDUCATION

The Catholic Church in Nigeria can be proud of her track record in the field of education. In some Nigerian towns
and villages, the only place of learning is a primary or secondary school run by the Catholic Church and her dedicated

army of teachers drawn from her clergy, religious, lay faithful and even men and women of other faiths. Before the ill-
advised takeover of our schools by the military government in the early 1970s, Catholic schools showed that Nigerian

children can live in harmony in spite of religious and ethnic differences. Our schools were noted for the formation of
the intellect and the conscience for competence.

Despite an unfavourable environment, the Catholic Church has always made enormous investments in education,
at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. She is convinced that people can subscribe to her vision of education without
becoming Catholic. She has no intention of using her schools to coerce anyone to become Catholic. She is only making
her own contribution towards building a just and humane nation.

But the education of every Nigerian citizen must be a collaborative venture. Government cannot do it alone.

Neither is government to leave it to voluntary agencies and parents alone. Without Government violating the rights that
pertain to the latter in the sphere of education, there is need to work out a modality of partnership in funding education.
Many Nigerians are denied access to quality education because, among other reasons, they or their sponsors lack the
financial means. While we happily note that some state governments offer financial assistance to Nigerian students in
private institutions, justice demands that other state governments, and indeed the federal government, emulate this
gesture. Our country is rich enough to provide funding for the education of every Nigerian citizen up to tertiary level, in any public or private school.

GRATITUDE FOR AFRICAE MUNUS

From November 18 to 20, 2011, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI visited Benin Republic. There, on November 19, 2011, at the Basilica of St Gall, Ouidah, the oldest in Africa, he signed his Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Africae Munus, on the Commitment of Africa to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace. May this Magna Carta for a New
Evangelization in Africa bring upon us a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

We thank the Holy Father for the publication of this landmark document in which he challenges and encourages Africa to “rise up and walk”. We urge all our faithful, and indeed all men and women of good will, to read and reflect upon the beautiful exhortation.

In the name of Jesus, the Holy Father calls Africans “to live reconciliation between individuals and communities and to promote peace and justice in truth for all” (Africae Munus, n. 1). This must be our daily commitment. Indeed, this season of Lent is a time to live this commitment with even greater intensity.

On our part, to deepen the reflection of Africae Munus, and to spell out practical steps towards living out this
commitment, the Catholic Church in Nigeria shall celebrate her 2^nd National Pastoral Congress and 41h National Eucharistic Congress in Abuja from November 12 to 18, 2012. Prior to that Congress, the 50^lh International Eucharistic Congress will take place in Dublin, Ireland, from June 10 to 18, 2012.

YEAR OF FAITH

Our commitment to reconciliation, justice and peace is an obligation imposed on us by our faith. But the same
faith that obliges, offers us strength to live out this obligation and the inspiration to address the many crises that face us in Nigeria It is in this regard that we look forward to the celebration of the Year of Faith announced by the Holy Father.
This Year of Faith will run from October 11, 2012, the 50^lh anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council,

and the 20^lh anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to November 24, 2013, Solemnity of Our Lord
Jesus Christ the Universal King.

ELECTIONS AT THE CBCN

We joyfully announce the election of a new President and a new Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of Nigeria. The new President of the Conference is the Archbishop of Jos, the Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama,
and the new Vice President, the Archbishop of Benin City, the Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze. Most Rev. Alfred Martins,
Bishop of Abeokuta and Most Rev. William Avenya, Auxiliary Bishop of Markurdi were reelected Secretary and Assistant
Secretary respectively. New elections were held also for the Chairmen of Departments and Committees.

We ask the Lord to continue to strengthen our immediate past President, the indefatigable Archbishop of Ibadan,
Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, and we pray for wisdom for our new President and Vice President.

CONCLUSION

Through the powerful intercession of Mary, Queen of Nigeria, may Christ our King continue to direct the affairs of
our Church and of our country Nigeria. May the Holy Spirit transform the people and leaders of Nigeria into agents of
reconciliation, justice and peace.

Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins

Archbishop of Jos Bishop of Abeokuta

President Secretary

Promoting Authentic Development in Nigeria

Communique issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia, Abia State,
8^th -14^th September, 2012.

Preamble

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our Second Plenary
Meeting for the year 2012 at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, Umuahia. Having
prayerfully reflected on various issues in the Church and Nation, we now present our

communique – Promoting Authentic Development in Nigeria

Some Highlights in the Church

With thankful hearts to God, we recall the installation of Most Rev. Alfred Adewale
Martins, former Bishop of Abeokuta, as Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos to succeed the
Archbishop Emeritus, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, who had courageously given
exemplary leadership not only to the See of Lagos, but the entire Nigerian populace in difficult
times. Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna was on 3^rd May, 2012, consecrated for the Vicariate of
Kontagora, to succeed the Bishop Emeritus, Bishop Timothy Carrol, SMA, who in 20I 0 retired
and returned to Ireland.

We cherish the visit to Nigeria of the President of the Vatican Pontifical Council for Inter-
Religious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, March 23-30, 2012, which contributed in
deepening our efforts in Inter-Religious Dialogue, particularly, with our Muslim compatriots.

The dioceses of Minna and Ilorin celebrated the centenary of the presence of the Catholic Church in August 2012. The diocese of Enugu will follow suit to celebrate its Golden Jubilee on the 9^th November 2012. On the 10^th November, the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province also will celebrate its centenary. We congratulate the Archbishop, Bishops and the faithful of these Ecclesiastical territories and we pray for their sustainable growth in the faith. We happily announce that the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Fernando Cardinal Filoni, will grace with his presence the Owerri centenary celebration.

We congratulate the President of our Conference, Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius
Kaigama, who on the 4th July received in Italy the International Golden Dove Peace Award. We
also congratulate the Metropolitan of Abuja, Most Rev. Jolm Onaiyekan, for winning the
International Peace Award to be conferred on him in Brussels on October 31, 2012. We

commend their efforts in sowing seeds of peace and harmonious coexistence between Christians and Muslims of our nation.

With faith in God, we pray for the souls of Most Rev. Anthony Ilonu, the Bishop Emeritus of
Okigwe, who died on the15^th June, 2012, and Most Rev. Emmanuel Otteh, the Bishop Emeritus
of Issele-Uku, who died on the 27^th July, 2012, and have since been buried. We continue to
cherish the services they rendered while alive. We pray for the Bishops and the faithful of their
dioceses.

Gratitude for God’s Blessings

It is right and fitting that we continue to thank God for daily and special blessings. In spite
of all our tension and strife, we remain one united country; we keep praying that we remain so.
We note some significant improvements in a few areas of our national life, like the energy sector
and the efforts to improve infrastructure in some States of the country.

We commend some efforts to redress past injustices, particularly in the return and rehabilitation
of schools and hospitals in certain States of the Federation. We hope other States will follow this
laudable action.

We praise the courage of those patriotic Nigerians who have revealed facts and details of
corruption in the oil sector and we continue to insist on proper investigation and prosecution of

culprits, and sanitization of our national life.

We thank and commend all those Nigerians, who, in various national and international fora,
exert themselves to bring glory and honour to our dear country, Nigeria.

Abuse of Human Rights and Dignity
Protection of Life

Nigerians continue to live in fear and tension. In spite of the acclaimed efforts to beef up
security in the nation, bombings and senseless killings of innocent Nigerians, continue in the
northern part of the country, while kidnappings and periodic murders and armed robberies
continue in the southern part.

The failure of government at all levels and other security agencies to provide adequate security
for all Nigerians is a grave form of abuse of human dignity. This unfortunate situation leads to
distrust of government and allied authorities. It creates loopholes for evil doers to thrive and for
the proliferation of arms and dangerous weapons under the guise of self-defence.

In the face of sustained attacks on Christians and churches in Northern Nigeria, we insist that our
patient response is not borne out of cowardice, but of universal Christ-like love, religious
maturity and genuine patriotism. We fear that in the face of continued unprovoked onslaught,
Christians might resort to legitimate self-defence.

We call on government at the Federal, State and Local levels and security agencies to wake up to
their duty to protect and defend the life and the dignity of everybody in this country. Government
should be more vigilant, especially at the borders, in checkmating any foreign sponsors of

terrorist activities in Nigeria. We commend those Muslim and Christian leaders who are raising
their voices to condemn the ongoing barbarism. We also commend those politicians, and all
Nigerians of goodwill who are earnestly working for a better, safer and more united Nigeria and
ask them not to relent.

The Debasement of Human Sexuality

We denounce the relentless efforts of many Western nations’ development programmes
and the United Nations’ agencies to pressurize and manipulate countries in Africa, especially
Nigeria, to embrace an anti-life culture and anti-life programmes, namely, artificial family
planning, under the guise of population control, eradication of HIV -AIDS, and the promotion of
so-called women’s reproductive health rights. Abortion and contraception – which form the
basis of this anti-life mentality and aggravate the culture of death, give rise to a libertine culture
of promiscuity. As Catholics, we reiterate that the use of contraceptives is immoral and sinful
and we recommend only Natural Family Planning, abstinence and self-control.

Nigerians should, through the prism of good religious and cultural values, learn to reject
decadent values, in order to evolve wholesome responses to global issues. The recent allocation
by the Federal Government of millions of dollars for the supply of contraceptives is both unfair
and immoral. Most Nigerians simply would not support such an insensitive use of public funds.

Above all, and as a life affirming strategy, Nigeria needs to establish good health-care systems to
take care of women and children at the pre-natal, neo-natal, paediatric and later levels.

Fighting Corruption

Serious allegations of corruption have been levelled at some top government officials and
other Nigerians. Very little, however, has been done to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the
culprits. Those who have been indicted have either escaped from custody or been granted
indefinite bail, or have been set free. The Nigerian citizenry has the right to receive
comprehensive reports on the management of Fuel Subsidy, along with appropriate application
of justice on the criminals. Fighting corruption demands courage and sincerity, and the fight has
to start from the top to the lowest cadre.

Politics in Nigeria is still perceived by many in authority more as a self-serving pursuit,
opportunity for easy money and prestige, than as genuine service for the good of all. Recent
probes on Fuel Subsidy have exposed the depth of corruption in the highest echelons of our
government.

This cankerworm of corruption, unfortunately, also affects other sectors of Nigerian life, even to
the grassroots. Lip-service is paid to fundamental issues, such as youth empowerment, job
creation, quality education that is affordable, agriculture, etc., with little or no action to redeem
election campaign promises. This situation compromises the credibility of the current
transformation agenda of the government.

To eradicate corruption, graver responsibility falls on those in public life whose acts of public
administration ought to be regulated by due process and the rule of law. To regain the trust of

citizens demands a certain definite firmness on the part of the government in pursuing sound and
clear objectives, along with disinterested application of justice.

We challenge the President and the leadership of this nation to address with greater courage,
forthrightness and political will the problem of corruption. We, therefore, strongly appeal to
President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration to enforce due process and the rule of law in
public administration.

Call to Better Governance

Nigeria cannot become a safe, secure and united nation without good governance. Good
governance entails active and critical participation of the citizenry in the formulation of policies
and in their implementation. The Nigerian government at every level should educate and inform
the citizens about the political and economic choices it makes in their name. This will constitute
the appropriate response to the people’s right to good stewardship, transparency and
accountability.

In support of this, Pope Benedict XVI said to African political leaders during his November 2011
visit to the Republic of Benin: “Do not deprive your peoples of hope! Do not cut them off from
their future by mutilating their present! Adopt a courageous ethical approach to your
responsibilities and, if you are believers, ask God to grant you wisdom!’.”

In relation to this, we call for caution in the acquisition of foreign and domestic loans by the
Federal and State governments without due consultation with the citizenry. This would adversely
affect proper economic growth and mortgage the future of our country.

Promoting Integral Education

Catholic education entails the integral formation of the human person with a view to
optimal service to God, humanity and society. Catholic schools have the distinction of
guaranteeing healthy, cultural and educational pluralism which makes them welcoming to all.

We, therefore, challenge all our Catholic educational institutions to draw from the Catholic
Policy on Education to consistently improve the quality of their educational services. Given the
universal success of Catholic education, we recommend this policy to other interested
educational institutions.

Grants-in-aid to Mission schools, to enable Nigerian children in such schools enjoy their right to
free quality education, is a necessary and commendable contribution to the improvement of
education in Nigeria.

Growing a new Nigeria through education requires that knowledge should be communicated
along with values to be acquired and truths to be discovered. The absurd culture of examination
malpractices by pupils, students, teachers, parents, guardians and administrators must be tackled
with utmost seriousness, otherwise, our efforts will be in vain.

Our nation also needs to invest in media education, especially to protect our young generations
from the ills of the new social media and equip them to engage the communications technology
in a critical manner.

Veritas University, Abuja, the Catholic University of Nigeria, is an initiative of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, on behalf of the entire Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Given its crucial role in the Church and in the nation, we call on our laity and other people of
good will to provide the necessary resources to sustain the university and move it from its
temporary site at Obehie to its permanent site in Abuja.

The Year of Faith (11 October 2012 – 24 November 2013)

The Year of Faith which marks the 50^th Anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican
Council calls for evangelization which “essentially consists in bearing witness to Christ in the
power of the Spirit by one’s life, then by one’s words, in a spirit of openness and respectful
dialogue with others, while holding fast to the values of the Gospel.” (Africae Munus, n. 163).
Benedict XVI stated that by celebrating the Year of Faith, “we cannot accept that salt should
become tasteless or the light be kept hidden” (Porta Fidei, nn. 3,6).

The beginning of the Year of Faith, the 11 th October 2012, opening of the Vatican Synod on New
Evangelization which will discuss the proclamation of faith with new ardour, new method and
expression. It will be a period to examine different trends, traditional and modem, which threaten
our faith. We shall at all times, as Bishops, teach the faith and salvation in and through the Cross
of Christ, against the so-called ‘gospel of prosperity’ which emphasizes miracles, quick wealth
and instant success without commensurate work.

We call on all the Catholic faithful to fully participate in the celebration, both at the national,
diocesan, and parish levels, in order to rediscover, beginning from the home, the place of prayer,
faith-sharing and concrete living of the faith. The Laity are increasingly called, by their holiness
of life, to imbue the socio-economic and political sectors with the Gospel. Pope Benedict XVI
has in this vein challenged them to move beyond being mere “collaborators” with the clergy to
be truly “co-responsible” for the being and activity of the Church.

We have scheduled as a nation to celebrate the 2nd National Pastoral and 4th Eucharistic
Congresses in Abuja, November 12-18,2012, as part of our celebration of the Year of Faith.

Once again, we urge all Nigerians to continue to work and to pray. May we resume our
national Prayer against Bribery and Corruption, embracing the promise of our God to restore
our Land if and when we turn to him in repentance (cf. Isaiah 1: 18). As we enter the month of
October, may we intensify the praying of the Rosary for peace in Nigeria.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of our Saviour, be our model and intercessor,
especially in this Year of Faith.

Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins

Archbishop of Jos Bishop of Abeokuta

President Secretary

FAITH AND THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Communique at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the
Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre Lugbe, Abuja

February 16 -22, 2013

Preamble

We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our

First Plenary Meeting of the year from February 16 to 22, 2013, at the
Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe,

Abuja. Having prayerfully reflected on the theme: “Faith and the Dignity of the
Human Person”, we now present our communique to the Church and to the
nation.

Events in our Church and Nation

We thank the Lord for his many blessings on the Church in our land. We
rejoice at the elevation by Pope Benedict XVI of Most Rev. John Onaiyekan,
Archbishop of Abuja, to the College of Cardinals. The Church in Nigeria has
also been blessed with the appointment of Msgr Peter Okpaleke as Bishop of
Ahiara in succession to Most Rev. Victor Chikwe who died in 2010. We
prayerfully look forward to Msgr Okpaleke’s Episcopal ordination as Bishop of
Ahiara. Msgr Fortunatus Nwachukwu, hitherto Chief Protocol Officer to the
Holy Father, was appointed Papal Nuncio to Nicaragua with the rank of an
Archbishop. Two new dioceses, Gboko and Katsina-Ala in Benue State, have
been created, while Most Rev. William Avenya, hitherto Auxiliary Bishop of
Makurdi, and Msgr Peter Adoboh have been appointed their pioneer Bishops
respectively. Most recently, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, hitherto Bishop of
Uyo, was appointed Archbishop of Calabar. He succeeds Most Rev. Joseph
Ukpo who has retired after several years of meritorious labor.

At the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Raphael Madu was appointed
Secretary General in succession to Msgr Michael Ekpenyong, while Fr.
Zachariah Samjumi was appointed Deputy Secretary General in succession to
Fr. Peter Okonkwo.

In November 2012, we successfully held our 2^nd National Pastoral Congress and
the 4th National Eucharistic Congress. We pray that our nation be spiritually
enriched by these joyful events.

As we rejoice for the blessings on the Church, we congratulate the

Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, for bringing glory to Nigeria
by winning the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. We
urge the government and our fellow citizens to use the opportunity of this great

achievement to inspire one another to bring the best out of one another and our
nation.

In the midst of our blessings, we regret to announce the death of Most

Rev. Joseph Egerega, Bishop Emeritus of Bomadi Vicariate. He will be buried
on March 14, 2013 at Bomadi. We also announce the death of Most Rev.
Patrick Sheehan, Bishop Emeritus of Kano. May their souls rest in perfect
peace. Amen.

Pope Benedict XVI and the Year of Faith

We note that this is our First Plenary Meeting since the opening of the

Year of Faith by Pope Benedict XVI and the Synod on New Evangelization
convoked by the same Holy Father. We express our gratitude to him for his
many years of service to the Church. We pray the Lord to continue to be his
strength as he advances in age in his well-earned and freely chosen retirement.

In the spirit of the Year of Faith, and in the Spirit of the New

Evangelization, we have reflected on the theme: “Faith and the Dignity of the
Human Person”. With the Holy Father, we recognize that “To rediscover the
content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed, and to reflect
on the act of faith, is a task that every believer must make his own, especially in
the course of this Year” (Porta Fidei 9).

The Gift and Task of Faith

We recognize that faith is indeed a gift from God, described in the

letter to the Hebrews as evidence of what we hope for (Cf. Heb 11: 1). As task,
faith is the human response to God’s self-revelation (Cf. Summa theologiae, II-
II, q. 6 art. 2). Since our faith comes from revelation authentically interpreted
by the teaching office of the Church, adherence to faith requires communion
with the Church.

The Faith We Profess

The Nicene Creed is the signal prayer for the Year of Faith. It is the

summary of what the Church has believed, preserved and transmitted over the
ages. Numerous saints and martyrs have shed their blood to profess and live that
creed. We profess it on every Sunday and on every Solemn feast, and from this
can be drawn many lessons.

In the creed, we profess our faith in a God who, “in accordance with the utterly
gratuitous and mysterious design of his wisdom and goodness, created the
whole universe”, making every human person-male and female-in his image
and likeness, and thus capable of sharing in his divine life (Lumen
Gentium 2). When we sinned through Adam, God did not abandon us but sent
His Son, Jesus Christ, model of a new humanity, to redeem and remake us in
His image. Hence, every violation of human dignity is an act of rebellion

that Nigerians, crtizens of a richly endowed land, live in dehumanizing
poverty. That is why the government and the governed must renew sincere
efforts to fight corruption and the theft and wastage of public funds in Nigeria.

We call on relevant arms of government to adequately provide for the
welfare of the men and women in the police, the army and other security
agencies who risk their lives in undertaking responsibilities for security and the
fight against corruption.

Human Dignity and the Right to Life

The right to life is the first of all fundamental human rights. Every
threat to life is a violation of human dignity. In this regard, we must not fail to
emphasize that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of life
and property. We denounce the fact that Nigeria remains a place where some
people wantonly kill in the name of religion, a land where the right to worship is
restricted only to certain people. Religion and matters of faith should no longer
be allowed to divide us. As we approach the centenary of Nigeria’s existence,
the time has come to move beyond religious tolerance to recognition
and acceptance of our common humanity and respect for religious and ethnic
differences. This is an essential step in our march to nationhood.
Respect for human dignity includes respect for the human body. It
precludes unwholesome sexual relationship outside the plan of the Creator. It
also calls for responsible parenthood. We therefore condemn the sad novelty of
our government spending public funds on an artificial family planning
programme that sacrifices morality on the altar of techniques of population
control. We again call on our leaders and government to be wary of adopting
policies and strategies which compromise cultural and spiritual values as a
solution to challenges, no matter how serious those challenges may be.

Declaration of a Pastoral Emergency

The unfortunate destruction of life and property in some parts of
Northern Nigeria is yet to be brought under complete control. We cannot begin
to assess the immense damage which has been done to churches and pastoral
structures and facilities in the entire area. Catholic Churches as well as other
Christian Churches have been affected. We express deep gratitude to
individuals, groups, and institutions who have graciously given assistance and
support to all the affected people and institutions thus
affected. Territories within the Diocese of Maiduguri have certainly borne the
brunt of the killings and bombings which have occurred in the last few
months. It is in view of this that we as a Conference hereby declare Maiduguri
diocese “a Pastoral Emergency Area”. In effect, we have, as a Conference,
initiated plans and strategies to more directly support and sustain pastoral life in
the Diocese of Maiduguri without neglecting to help other affected areas. We
call on all our faithful and other men and women of goodwill to make a special
commitment to this task through prayers, visits, technical assistance and funds.

In this Year of Faith we reiterate our faith in God and our strong belief that, as
in the past, the Church will emerge stronger and holier from the current crisis.

In the quest for dialogue with those who carry out acts of aggression on
innocent Nigerians, government should ensure that victims of such aggression
are compensated, while aggressors, rather than benefit from their aggression,
should be made to account for their crimes.

Our Commitment to Christian Unity

In the name of our faith and its corresponding obligation to protect
human dignity, we reiterate our commitment to the cause of Christian unity in
Nigeria. The Catholic Church in Nigeria co-founded the Christian Association
of Nigeria. She has worked to nourish and sustain it all these years. Our
commitment is a call to dialogue on fundamental issues regarding the
Association. These issues concern those areas that have strained our unity and
can keep Christians further divided if not promptly addressed. We seize this
opportunity to reconfirm our continued full membership of CAN

Conclusion

Seeing how sin diminishes the image of God in us and in others, and
seeing how God has inaugurated in a new humanity in Christ our Redeemer, let
us all use this holy season of Lent to turn away from sin to the love of God and
our neighbor. Protection and promotion of the dignity of every human person is
integral to faith in God. These constitute the only way in which we can build a
better world, a better Nigeria (cf. Joe12:14ff).

Let us fervently pray that through the powerful intercession of Mary,
Queen of Nigeria, the Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son, the Spirit of love
may reign in Nigeria and renew the image of God in us.

Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins

Archbishop of Jos Bishop of Abeokuta

President Secretary

Our Faith in Action

Communique at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria

(CBCN) at the Duuble K Resort. GRA. Otukpn Bcnue State. September 5-13, 20I3.

Preamble

We. the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBeN). held our Second Plenary
Meeting for the year 2013 at the Double K Resort. GRA. Otukpo. Benue Stale, Having prayerfully
reflected on events within the Church and the nation, we present this communique entitled. Our Faith
Commitment in Action.

Events in Our Church

We witnessed the canonical erection of the Diocese of Katsina Ala with the Ordination and Installation of
Most Rev. Peter Adoboh as the first Bishop. and the canonical erection of Gboko Diocese with Most Rev,
William A venya, former Auxiliary Bishop of Markurdi, installed the first bishop. We also witnessed the
ordination of Most Rev. Peter Okpaleke as Bishop of Ahiara who is yet to be installed in his See, Most
Rev. Godfrey Onah was ordained as bishop of Nsukka, while Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem was installed as
Archbishop of Calabar. His Eminence. John Cardinal Onaiyekan, was appointed Apostolic Administrator
of Ahiara Diocese and Most Rev. John Ayah, the Bishop of Ogoja, appointed Apostolic Administrator of
Uyo diocese. We wish them fruitful service.

We also celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of Oyo and Yola Dioceses and the 70^th Anniversary of Ondo
Diocese. We felicitated with Archbishop Felix Alaba Job on his 75^th birthday, 42 years as a Bishop and
47 years as a priest. The Silver Jubilees of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Athansius Usuh of
Markurdi Diocese and Bishop Camillus Etokudoh of Port Harcourt Diocese were celebrated. The Golden
Priestly Jubilee of the following Emeriti also were celebrated: Archbishop Patrick Ekpu. Archbishop Peter
Jatau, Bishop Francis Alonge and Bishop Simon Okafor. We welcome to Nigeria the newly appointed
collaborator of the Apostolic Nunciature, Rev, Fr. Jose Antonio Rodriguez Garcia, We wish him a happy
and fruitful apostolate.

We announce the first graduation ceremony of students from Veritas University, Abuja (VUNA), the
Catholic University of Nigeria, which took place on 18^th April 2013. While we intensify our efforts and
call for financial assistance towards moving the university to its permanent site in Abuja, we pray for
greater days ahead.

The Year of Faith

As the Year of Faith inaugurated by the Pope Emeritus, His Holiness, Benedict XVI in October, 2012
draws to an end, we express our gratitude to God for the opportunity of this moment of grace and renewal.
We commend the People of God for their numerous spiritual, catechetical and social activities during this
Year of Faith. We pray that these activities might bear fruits of peace, charity and reconciliation in their
lives. We urge all to continue, even beyond the Year of Faith, to intensify efforts towards the deepening of
faith through pilgrimages, retreats, seminars, workshops and vigils, as well as through artistic and literary
works,

We welcome the first Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei (Light of Faith), We also appreciate
the striking connection between Faith and Light as a guide into the full communion of the sons and
daughters of God, made possible by the blood of Jesus and his abiding spirit. “In God’s gift of faith … we
realize that a great love has been offered to us, a good word has been spoken to us, and that when we
welcome that word, Jesus Christ the word made flesh. the Holy Spirit transforms us, lights up our way to
the future and enables us joyfully to advance along the way on wings of hope” (Lumen Fidei, no. 7).

Renewal of Priestly Commitment

Inspired by the light of Faith, we explored the grace of this Plenary to also reflect on our commitment to
the Catholic Priesthood, In order to have a more wholistic view of our ministry as Bishops, we invited our
immediate collaborators, representatives of priests from all over Nigeria for an interactive session, During
the session, we fraternally renewed our mission of teaching, sanctifying, and leading the people of God,

We affirm commitment to consistently pledge our unalloyed loyalty and obedience to the Holy Father. We
regret and condemn the attitude of those priests in Ahiara Diocese who rejected their new Bishop. We
consider their attitude an affront to the Holy Father who has the sole prerogative of appointing Bishops.
We call on the priests to review their position, recant and accept in love their Shepherd, Most Rev. Peter
Ebelechukwu Okpalaeke. We urge members of Christ’s faithful, priests, religious and lay, never to relent
in Catholic piety, especially loyalty to the Holy Father and Bishops who are his immediate collaborators in
the work of shepherding the Church.

Good Governance

That Nigeria is abundantly blessed with resources which do not reflect in the lives of her children is very
disconcerting. Fraudulent use of public resources robs the citizens of basic amenities like quality
education, befitting health services, pliable roads, steady electricity, potable water supply, etc. Cost of
governance is disproportionately high, compared to funds released for development of infrastructure and
provision of services. With regard to some public authorities, abuse of power with impunity has been
elevated to an art of governance.

We continue to appeal to the consciences of our people to cultivate values of accountability and
transparency as they serve the nation and their communities, for genuine growth in democratic culture.
We urge our leaders to be guided by moral and ethical principles of good governance. Good governance is
characterized by animating development and improving the lives of people. As Pope Paul VI observed,
“Development cannot be authentic until it is complete, integral and promotes the good of everyone and of
the whole person” (Populorum Progressio, no. 14).

Respect Life – Reject Anti-Life Laws

We have observed with keen interest the continuous attempts made by foreign agencies to introduce
unwholesome values to our society in their campaign for abortion, supply of condoms and promotion of
same-sex unions. We hereby condemn such moves. We appeal to the good people of Nigeria to also reject
such moves, lest we stand to lose our faith, cultural identity and pride. We reiterate our commitment to the
sanctity of human life from the very moment of its conception to the time of natural death.

We reject vehemently the slightest attempt by anyone to promote the culture of death and call on such
people to repent of their ways. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI affirmed: “Openness to life is at the centre of
true development. When a society moves towards the denial or suppression of life, it ends up no longer
finding the necessary motivation and energy to strive for man’s true good … the acceptance of life
strengthens the moral fibre and makes people capable of mutual help” iInstrumentum Laboris, 2^nd Special
Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops No: 20).

We sincerely congratulate the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for her firm stand and outright
rejection of the Bill on Same-Sex Union. Natural law and our faith tell us that same-sex union is truly
unnatural, unwholesome, and contrary to the plan of God.

The use of capital punishment as the easiest way to rid the society of dangerous criminals is improper.
The lives of condemned criminals remain sacred and demand deep compassion. Capital punishment does
not offer criminals the opportunity for repentance in accord with the vision of God about man’s salvation.
Given modern developments for the safety of citizens, public authorities are increasingly called upon to
explore practical measures to prevent criminality and to foster humane ways that would lead to the
reformation of criminals.

Security

We congratulate the government for the bold measures to combat terrorism which drastically reduce the
Boko Haram terrorist attacks, especially in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. We observe at the same
time that a lot still needs to be done to obviate the menace of armed-robbery, kidnapping, etc., perpetrated
throughout our land. We note the illegal importation and dangerous circulation of small-arms among our
citizens.

We sympathize with all families who have lost their loved ones since the Boko Hararn menace began. We
call on Federal and State Governments to improve the security networks and measures to proactively arrest
such insurgencies, rather than wait till they happen. We also appeal to government to assist deserving
victims and relatives of the deceased.

Current Impasse Between ASUU and Federal Government

University students have been once again made to roam about following the indefinite strike of the
members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are protesting the level of the
implementation of the 2009 ASUU/Government Agreement. We are disturbed by the crippling effect of
this strike. As stakeholders in the education of our youths, we cannot stay aloof. We appeal to the Federal
Government and the ASUU to take the higher ground of mutual exchange and shifting of grounds, for the
collective responsibility of saving our university education and getting our youth back to the classrooms.
We, the Catholic Bishops, willingly offer ourselves as a Conference to mediate, in order to bring this
deadlock to an end and usher in a harmonious, viable and sustainable environment for university learning.

Chaplaincy of Tertiary Institutions

Chaplaincies play important roles in Tertiary Institutions. However, the right of chaplaincies to acquire
land is denied to Christians in Universities existing in some parts of the country for the erection of places
of worship. This denial contributes to the weakening of sound morals in Nigeria’s future leaders, which, if
it is to be deeply genuine and sustainable, should be rooted in personal faith. We call on Government at
Federal and State levels to foster the right to religious freedom by allotting land for places of worship and
removing all barriers to land acquisition for de facto citizens of the country.

Inspiring Leadership of the Popes and Prayer for Peace

We hail the Holy Father, Pope Francis who continues to astound the world with a leadership model of
humility, modesty and simplicity, becoming a beacon of hope for the poor. We equally admire his
predecessor, Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, who, by his historic and heroic resignation, showed that true
leadership is selfless and that good leadership creates space for others.

Pope Francis on 7^th September, 20I3, invited the world to pray with him for peace in Syria, highlighting
the constant need of prayer for peace. Prayer for peace is not an afterthought to the work of peace, but the
very essence of building the peace of order, justice and freedom. Indeed, to pray for peace is to pray for
justice, for freedom, for a right-ordering of relations within and among nations and peoples. Above all, it
is to seek God’s forgiveness and to forgive those who have trespassed against us (see John Paul II, 2002
Message for the World Day of Peace, n. 14).

Catholic Health Summit

We happily announce the first National Catholic Health Summit planned to take place at the Musa
Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, 23 – 24 October 2013. This Summit is aimed at enhancing partnerships between
the Catholic Health Services, Government and other Agencies. All Catholic health institutions and men
and women of goodwill are invited to this summit for better coordination and intensity of this apostolate.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first disciple and Mother of the Church, be our model and intercede for
us in this Year of Faith.

Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama Most Rev. William Avenya

Archbishop of Jos Bishop of Gboko

President Secretary

CHURCH AND STATE PARTNERSHIP

IN THE PROVISION OF QUALITY EDUCATION

Communique at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Divine Love Retreat and
Conference Centre Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, March 8-14, 2014

Preamble

We, the members of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the conclusion of our First
Plenary Meeting of the year 20]4, send prayerful greetings to the Church and the people of Nigeria. At
the Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC), Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja, from March 8 to 14,
2014, we prayed and reflected on the theme “Church and State Partnership in Providing Quality
Education for the Nigerian People”. We now share the fruits of our reflection with the Church and the
Nation.

Education in Nation Building

History shows that the Church started very early to invest heavily and fruitfully in quality education in
what is now known as Nigeria. She established schools which were known for their good academic
and moral standards, and their non-discriminatory policies, even in the difficult terrain of rural
Nigeria. Prior to the government take-over of schools in the 1970s both the Church and the State were
partners in education. As a result of the take-over, the initiatives of voluntary agencies were stifled.
and the quality of education in Nigeria experienced and still experiences a sharp decline.

Provision of Quality Education

The good health of a nation is largely dependent on the quality of education of her citizens. The
numerous problems affecting our country Nigeria are very obvious: corruption. abuse of power.
insecurity, poverty, discrimination. to name but a few. We cannot confront these challenges without
investing in the provision of quality education. With integral education, the human person is formed to
be loving and caring, able to actualize his or her potential, contribute to the attainment of the common
good and fulfill his or her aspiration. Quality education in this respect has a religious and moral
content. Education, in the final analysis, is a means of cooperating with God to overcome evil and
bring out the best in the human person.

Challenges Facing the Education Sector

Nigerians have a deep hunger for education. The quality of facilities in our schools, secondary schools,
polytechnics and universities is not commensurate with the announced budgetary allocation, a fact
which strongly suggests the invasion of the education space by corruption and misappropriation of
public funds. The high cost of quality education places it well beyond the reach of the poor. Yet, some
Nigerian parents are willing to sacrifice much, including personal comfort, in order to ensure that their
children receive good education. Not finding schools good enough within Nigeria for their children,
they send them around the world, not only to countries of Africa, but even to Europe, America and
Asia.

The provision of high quality education that imparts intellectual, moral and professional
competence, the good state of facilities in our institutions of learning, adequate remuneration of those
who work in them, these and related factors pose grave fiscal challenges. The future of the education
sector in Nigeria largely depends on planning, funding and proper management.

Funding of Education and Partner-Friendly Policies

Nigeria, therefore, needs to take an urgent look at the regulatory framework in the education sector.
The current formulation and execution of policies in the education sector do not enable public-private
partnership. We therefore urge Government to abrogate policies that impede partnership in education.

On the one hand, experience has shown that Government’s sole funding of education is not
realistic in our present circumstances. On the other hand, there are many parents who cannot fund the
education of their children without assistance. This should not make Government take over the role
that rightly belongs to parents. Rather, Government should, in line with the principle of subsidiarity,
assist parents to play that role, so as to enable them to exercise their right to choose the type of
education they want for their children. There is, therefore, need for synergy in funding education in
Nigeria.

The provision of quality education should involve the government, parents, religious
institutions and other corporate bodies. Nigerian children studying in mission and private schools
should not be discriminated against. They have equal right to be properly educated. Their parents are
tax payers. Government should assist in the provision of the necessary infrastructure, tax relief for
parents of children in school and demand minimal charges on the land on which mission and private
schools are built. In addition, in the spirit of partnership, we urge Government to reinstate grants-in-
aid to mission schools, in order to make quality education affordable.

Return of Schools to their Original Owners

In light of the foregoing, we acknowledge the wisdom and courage of leadership in some state
governments that have returned the schools to their original owners and have created a measure of
partnership with them. Some States like Anambra and Benue have gone further to allocate funds for
the rehabilitation of those schools returned. This step has led to the improvement of infrastructure and
learning environment in such schools. These positive results lead us to renew our call for the return of
the remaining schools to their original owners.

Insecurity and Destruction of Life

We bemoan heightened insecurity in our country. In recent times we have seen how the problem of
insecurity affects education. The mindless massacre of innocent students right in their schools in the
North Eastern States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe is a very painful case. Despite the efforts of
security agencies, life and property in Nigeria are still exposed to people of wicked intentions. While
we commend the work of men and women in the security agencies, we urge government to be
proactive and to ensure that they are better equipped and motivated to assume their responsibilities of
protecting the land and its citizens. We ask the government to investigate escalating conflicts between
cattle-rearers and indigenous communities in all the States of the North and the Middle Belt with a
view to finding lasting solutions for peace and reconciliation. It needs to assist victims of the Boko-
Haram insurgency, and of the murderous Herdsmen.

Veritas University of Nigeria Abuja (VUNA)

As part of the Church’s usual contribution to Education in Nigeria, the Veritas University of Nigeria
was established. We are grateful to God, to benefactors of the University, and to its management and
staff led by Professor Michael Kwanashie. We commend all the lay faithful for supporting the
establishment and the running thus far of Veritas University. We pray the good Lord to bless all for
their generosity, while we count on their continued support in further pursuit to quality education. We

thank the Archdiocese of Abuja for funding the construction of the first academic block at the Abuja
main campus, the Knights St Mulumba for the construction of the University Chapel, which has
reached an advanced stage, and the Knights of St John International for donating a block of
classrooms.

In further pursuit of quality education across Nigeria, we, the Bishops of Nigeria, are
organizing our second National Catholic Education Summit at Abuja, from October 28 to 31, 2014.

The Family and Human Life

In the light of various global attacks on Human Life, Marriage and the Family, which work to erode
Christian and Cultural values, we urge all to join in the preparation for the forthcoming Extraordinary
Synod of Bishops in October 2014 under the theme: “Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context
of Evangelization”. We congratulate all the dioceses in Nigeria which took part in recent consultations
on the family initiated by the Holy See. As further preparation for the Synod, we, the Catholic
Bishops of Nigeria, are organizing a Seminar on Pro-Life issues under the theme: “Witnessing to the
Dignity of every Human Life”. It will take place in Abuja from June 5 to 7, 2014 at This Day Dome,
International Central Business District, Abuja. We hope in this way to affirm Christian families,
Youth and organizations that promote the culture of life. We urge all people of goodwill to fully
support the forthcoming Seminar.

Centenary Celebration

We congratulate Nigeria on the centenary of her amalgamation and thank God for His blessings to the
Nation. For our omissions and commissions, we beg Him for pardon and promise to work for a more
united and prosperous country. We also, ask our leaders to put the interest of the citizens first and all
to be law abiding.

National Conference

As we look forward with fellow Nigerians to the forthcoming National Conference with hope, we
expect the Conference to devise ways and means of fostering the right of each person to freely choose.
profess, disseminate and practise his or her own religion in private and in public, as well as
acknowledge the contributions of religion to nation building. Where this right is not well protected,
peaceful co-existence and participation in social, political and economic life are endangered. Nigeria is
a multi-cultural country. Therefore, to adopt any religion as a State religion at the Federal or State
level will lead to favoritism and partiality which deprive the rest of equality before the law. In the
spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Government at all levels should handle
religious matters discretely.

Events in the Church

On March l3, 2014, we celebrated the first anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. We give
thanks to God for giving him to the Church as servant in the Petrine-Ministry and for using him to
reawaken in the world a new appreciation of the person and Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On December 12, 20l3, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appointed the Nuncio to Nigeria the
Holy See’s Permanent Observer at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

On January 24, 2014, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, hitherto, Bishop of Osogbo was installed
the new Archbishop of Ibadan, following the retirement of Most Rev Felix Alaba Job after 42 years of
devoted pastoral leadership of the Archdiocese.

We extend our joyful and prayerful sentiments to the Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius
Kaigama, on his appointment and installation as Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu; and
to the Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah on his appointment as Chancellor of the
Nassarawa State University.

Conclusion

We urge all in the Church to use this holy Season of Lent and its spiritual exercises as a means of
personal and collective renewal in the love of God and neighbour. We look forward to the
canonization in Rome on April 27, 2014 of Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II.
We entrust our country Nigeria to the hands of God. And we pray, through the intercession of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Nigeria that Nigerians be granted the grace to cooperate with God and
with one another in building a just, peaceful and prosperous nation.

Most Rev. Ignatius A. Kaigama Most Rev. William Avenya

Archbishop of Jos Bishop of Gboko

President Secretary

the Conference, we appeal to government

A Communique Issued at the end of the Second PIerJarv l\Ieeting of the
CnthoIic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBC.\’) at the Assumpta
Pastoral Centre, Owerri. 1 – 6 September 2003.

Hope for a Better Nigeria

Preamble

\Ve, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
have held our Second Plenary Meeting for the year 2003 at ‘the Assumpta
Pastoral Centre, Owerri, from 1 st to 6^th of September 2003. During the
meeting we deliberated on several issues concerning the state of the Church
and the nation and hereby communicate the following:

Commendation

\Ve rejoice with and congratulate the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II
who is marking his 25^th Anniversary as Pope this year. We thank the Holy
Father for issuing the document on the Holy Rosary during this Year of the
Rosary which ends in October. \Ve acknowledge the remarkable
achievements of his representative in Nigeria, Most Rev. Osbaldo Padilla,
the Nuncio, who will soon be departing Nigeria for his new assignment in
Costa Rica. \Ve wish him many more fruitful years of service to the Church.

\Ve thank God that Nigeria still exists as one entity, in spite of all our
national travails especially during the last General Elections. We
acknowledge the maturity of aggrieved politicians who have taken their
cases to the Election Tribunals, instead of taking the law into their hands.
V·.,l e thank the Justice, Development and Peace Committees of the Catholic
Church at all levels and other agencies for their effort in effectively
monitoring the last electoral process and for awakening the citizens to their
civic lights and duties.

Vv’ e note with relief that Nigerians are now in a position to stand up for their
rights in the face of arbitrary and unjust impositions by the Government, as
exemplified by the mass protests during the recent increase in fuel prices.

Our Concerns

In accordance with our prophetic mission, we call attention to the following
areas of concern:

The Last General Elections

We praise the efforts of the Catholic faithful in exercising their civic
rights and duty during the elections. Their participation was generally
commendable. Some of them who were candidates for electoral offices
succeeded without compromising their Catholic principles. Many others
were sadly edged out of the process by negative forces. We firmly condemn
all fraudulent behaviour, violence and rigging which took place during the
elections. Those who indulged in these irregularities should consider what
damage they have done to their conscience and what scandal they have
given; they should realise that they are responsible for the ensuing
consequence of bad governance. Given the rampant corruption and deceit,
men and women with moral integrity and leadership qualities should
continue to participate actively in politics, rather than leave the field to
questionable characters.

Local Government Reform

The Nigerian Constitution recognizes three tiers of government:
federal, state and local. While the federal and state governments have been
allowed to function with their own problems, there seems to be a conspiracy
to suppress or undermine the local governments in disregard of the
provisions of the Constitution. We find the present steps of government in
this regard diversionary and confusing given that the Constitution of the
nation makes provisions for its own amendment wherever this is found
expedient by democratic means. Government should state clearly what its
real objectives are in the current local government reform.

Crisis in the Niger Delta

The wanton destruction of lives and property in the Niger-Delta has
continued to dent the image of our nation and to retard progress. We
condemn the use of violence as a means to achieve any end, no matter how
legitimate or noble. We pray for victims who died in the feuds and condole
with those who suffered losses. While appreciating the efforts made by the
Government to maintain peace in the areas, we call on the government to set
up a commission to identify the causes of the perennial violence, as well as
those responsible and proffer an enduring solution to the crises. Meanwhile,
we appeal to the government to compensate and rehabilitate those who have
suffered losses.

The Fuel Crisis

It is disheartening that in spite of the enormous sum of money
invested in refurbishing our refineries and despite the latest increase in
prices, petroleum products are still not available in the required quantity. In
many parts of the country, the price of petrol ranges from N40 to 100 per
litre. Government must address this matter and find immediate solutions in
order to alleviate the suffering of the poor masses. This suffering is real and
must not be taken lightly.

Our Deplorable Roads

Our journey from various parts of the country to Owerri, venue of our
conference, has strongly reminded us of the deplorable condition of our
roads, especially in the South East, in spite of the huge sum of money which
the federal government claims to have invested on roads. In a country vhere
over 95% of the citizens have no other means of transportation the continued
neglect of our roads is tantamount to an assault on the peoples’ right to basic
social amenities. Nigerians look up to the government to urgently address
the problem.

The Abortion Issue

Our culture and our religion and indeed all religions in the country
have great respect for human life and dignity. This commendable moral
value is unfortunately threatened by powerful lobbies for the legalization of
abortion in Nigeria. To destroy the life of the unborn is a violation of the
right to life and indeed an abomination crying to God for vengeance. We
call on the president, the National Assembly and the Judiciary to actively
protect human life from conception to natural death through appropriate
legislation. We also call on the law enforcement agencies to live up to their
responsibility to defend human life and prosecute all those who undermine
it. We reiterate that only the faithful practice of chastity and abstinence will
eliminate the recourse to abortion.

Continued Insecurity in the Land

The insecurity of life and property in the country has become
alarming. The menace of armed robbery and banditry in the country poses a
grave threat to the exercise of our fundamental human rights. Government
has not done enough to protect these rights against violation. \Ve stress that
people have a right to life and property and that government has a duty to
protect these rights. The creation of job-opportunities for our teeming youth

population will help to minimize the menace of armed robbery and violence.
This will lead to an improved security situation.

The Sharia Controversy

1 V. In recent times Nigeria has received negative international attention
over the imposition of the Sharia as criminal law in some paris of the
COU:1try. Although there are as yet no precedents of death by stoning as
prescribed by the Sharia, it is odious to hear that such a sentence is currently
loorning over the head of a citizen of this country, Amina LawaI. We have
persistently called for a decisive position on the part of government on the
issue of Sharia law that is consistent with the Constitution of this country.
“71′ e sincerely hope that government is not waiting for yet another orgy of .
violence before taking appropriate action.

Conclusion

r r. We call on all Nigerians to put their hope and trust in God in the face
of the many evils that still threaten our land. We urge everyone not to relent
in our prayers to God, our heavenly Father who has seen us through difficult
times in the past. \Ve all must remain convinced that He will do it again, if
v.e remain steadfast and committed in our prayers to Him.

“So be very careful about the sort of lives you lead, like
intelligent and not like senseless people. This may be a wicked
age, but your lives should redeem it. And do not be thoughtless
but recognise what is the will of the Lord” (Ephesians 5: 15-17).

As Lie saying goes, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” Therefore,
all of us, both leaders and ordinary citizens, must actively cooperate with the
grace and blessings of God by always seeking to know and do what is right
for our country and our neighbours. As we approach the end of the year of
the Rosary, we implore our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of the Rosary and
Queen of Nigeria to intercede for us.

Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

Bishop of Umuahia

Secretary of the CE. CN

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan

Archbishop of Abuja

President of the CB. CN.

THAT OUR HOPE MAY NOT BE IN VAIN

Communique at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the
Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, New Lugbe, Abuja.

February 26-March 3, 2007.

PREAMBLE

I We, members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting
for the year 2007 at the Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC), New Lugbe, Abuja,
from February 26 to March 3, 2007. During the Plenary, we prayerfully reflected on and discussed
the theme, Good Governance, Democracy and Christian Responsibility. We now present our
communique to the Church and to the nation.

SIGNS OF HOPE
Our faith in God inspires us to see signs of hope in the life of the Church in Nigeria and in the
life of Nigeria itself. We believe in God, and we believe that God’s blessings have not and will not
elude our Church and our country.

Growth in the Church

Among the signs of hope we see is the growth and the attainment of maturity of the Church in
Nigeria. We note that our first plenary this year is taking place shortly after the centenary of the
arrival of Catholicism in Uyo Diocese, and in the dioceses north of the Rivers Niger and Benue. The
centenary celebrations in Ekeya, Uyo Diocese from December 7-9, 2006, and in Shendam, Jos
Archdiocese on February 10,2007, bear eloquent testimony to the growth and maturity of the Church
in our country. In Shendam, we were blessed with the presence of Ivan Cardinal Dias, Prefect,
Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

We have also witnessed an addition to the number of Catholic Bishops in Nigeria in the
Episcopal ordination of Most Rev. John Ebebe Ayah as Bishop of Ogoja, and the appointment of
Msgr Paulinus Ezeokafor as Auxiliary Bishop of Awka. Msgr. Ezeokafor’s Episcopal ordination will
take place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, on April 28, 2007.

While we rejoice in the growth of the Church in our country we pray, hope and work that this
will translate into the formation of Christians who will participate in public life with maturity, honesty
and utmost responsibility.

Positive Developments in the Nation

Some of the recent interventions by the judiciary and the National Assembly, insofar as they
stood by the side of the rule of law and good governance, helped to avert deepening the crisis in our
fragile democracy. May such firm interventions become the norm and not the exception in the life of
our country.
Even though we have witnessed religious and ethnic conflicts in the distant and recent
memories of our country, we see hope in an increasing number of Nigerians who initiate and nurture
friendship across ethnic and religious divides. There are reasons to believe that Nigerians ~ live

together as members of God’s family in peace and harmony

Nigerians freely express themselves perceptively and with civility on matters which pertain to
the common good. This demonstrates their profound desire for good governance. This very desire is
a sign of hope. This hope is reinforced by the granting of licences to thirty-five private radio stations
this year. Government is demonstrating its willingness to enter into partnership with private
organizations in the information and education sectors. We therefore hope that government will soon
begin to grant licences to religious bodies as it is done in other countries.
Living in very difficult conditions, deprived offunctional infrastructure like good roads, good
transportation, reliable supply of electricity, Nigerians, despite being highly critical of the situation in
the country, remain resilient and joyful. Those who describe Nigerians as the happiest people in the
world have good reasons to say so. Our people have shown that they do not give up in the face of
obstacles to their welfare. This resilience is nourished by faith in God, even when the way and
manner in which religion is practised remains a challenge for us as pastors of the people.
The hope that Nigeria represents has already been beautifully described by Pope John Paul II
of blessed memory who, at the end of his first visit to Nigeria twenty-five years ago said: “I take away
with me very vivid memories of a great nation, a generous people, a dynamic Church, a richly
endowed and warm-hearted youth, a country which honours the family, respects the elderly and
regards children as a blessing. In short, I take with me an unforgettable memory of a country which is
a credit to Africa, to the world and to the Church of Jesus Christ” (Address at Departure from Nigeria,
1982, n. 2).

III. AREAS OF CONCERN

If our hope is to be realized and not become a vain illusion; there are areas of concern which

we need to identify and address as pastors and as citizens of our country.

Another Election Year

The fact that this is another election year is a matter of grave concern for us and for most
Nigerians. Past experiences make Nigerians enter this season of elections with heightened trepidation.
If every election in the history of Nigeria has ended on a note of controversy, Nigerians wonder if it
would be different this time around. They long for free and fair elections. The level of preparedness
of security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes many
Nigerians doubt if the electoral process will reflect their will and produce a credible leadership. If the
political parties are incapable or unwilling to conduct credible primary elections, what guarantee have
Nigerians that the April 2007 elections will be credible?
At the heart of our electoral crises is the belief that politics is about the acquisition of wealth,
of oil wealth, by the political office holder. In a curious paradox, our country is rich but our people
are poor. That a country of great abundance is inhabited by people who labour under dehumanizing
deprivation is a source of major concern.

Disregard for the Rule of Law

Yet, it is not only our leaders who are culpable. The led also have questions to answer.
Disrespect for the rule of law, has become a common feature of our life. It shows itself in various
forms of indiscipline, by the leaders and the led, by the mighty and the lowly in the land. It shows
itself in the scandalous disregard for court orders, even by government. Lawlessness and indiscipline
make good governance difficult. Selfishness inspires disregard for the law and thus works against the
common good. To work against the common good is to work against the dignity that pertains to us as
human beings. It shows itself at the heart of a culture of death that is spreading across the length and breadth of Nigeria. It shows itself in the crime wave that continues to be on the increase while law
enforcement agents appear helpless or, in any case, unhelpful.

Crisis in the Niger Delta

The lingering crisis in the Niger Delta remains a major source of concern. Oil exploration has
brought wealth to oil companies and to a few. The staggering cost to millions of inhabitants of the
region, who are yet to benefit from the wealth, is a death-dealing ecological degradation and a gross
violation of fundamental human rights. It is a grave sin that the Niger Delta, a region that has
contributed immensely to the wealth of this country, remains a region of dehumanizing poverty,
unemployment and a destroyed ecosystem.

Turmoil in Family Life

The turmoil in our society cannot be separated from the turmoil in family life. The family is
the nucleus of the human society. A just society is a happy society. But a just society is an aggregate
of just citizens. Such citizens are born into and nurtured in just families. Family life is vital to the
continued existence of the human society as a whole. When family life is sick, its consequences are
felt in the society. That is why we view with grave concern threats to the traditional sacredness of
family life such as the evil of abortion and the attempt to legalize same sex “marriages” in our
country.
EXHORTATION
Twenty-five years ago, Pope John Paul II’s description of Nigeria as a credit to Africa, to the
world and to the Church of Christ laid before us what we are called to become and can become if we
seek the path of virtue. This is already being realized among the signs of hope we enumerated earlier.
At the same time, the areas of concern we have identified warn us not to relent in our efforts until we
become the type of country the Lord wants us to be. As Pastors, our prophetic duty is to exhort with
the word of God, the word which the prophet Ezekiel was commanded to address to dry bones so as to
resuscitate them (Cf. Ezek 37:4-10; Ps 104:30). Christ confirmed this word by sending the Spirit to
renew the face of the earth (Cf. Jn 20:19-23). We believe this same Spirit will renew the face of our
beloved country Nigeria. That is why he moves us to present the following exhortation.

The Virtue of Love and Good Governance

Techniques of social, political and economic re-engineering are necessary but not sufficient in
transforming a country. Virtues are necessary. We therefore urge that the virtue of patriotism, that is,
of love of the land and of its people, be reawakened in every Nigerian, leaders and led, young and old.
This evocation of patriotism is done in the name of love which every religion advocates. True religion
promotes patriotism (Cf. James 1 :27). Politics itself, despite its many misconceptions, is the
concretization of the love of God in the city of man. The love that true religion motivates makes one
to see politics as striving for a just city of man in preparation for the perfection of justice in the City of
God.
Good governance is not just about elections. It necessarily involves consultation and dialogue
between the people and their representatives. It requires the participation of all. We therefore appeal
to all Nigerians to participate in the political process of this country. Leaders and policy makers, no
matter how intelligent and well intentioned, must listen to the people they claim to serve. Those who
lead the land at every level of governance must not become overbearing masters but humble servants
of the people. Lest we languish in tyranny, government must not become more powerful than the

people. For in a democracy, the people put the government in place. Those who govem are not lords,
those they govern are not subjects. All are equal citizens, and none is to be taken for granted.

If virtue is needed for good politics, how can we fail to mention that good role models are
needed for the acquisition of virtue. We sing in our National Anthem, “The labors of our heroes past
shall never be in vain.” Nigerians, especially the younger generation, need good role models in
politics. Role models are also needed in every sphere of our life. Where there are no heroes, heroic
achievements are hard to come by. This country needs heroes who exemplify the virtues of courage,
wisdom, justice, self control, hard work, humility and honesty. It is not a case of calling on others to
be heroic. It is a case of each of us striving to be good role models in and out of our country in
whatever sphere of human endeavor Divine Providence has placed us. We pray for the emergence of
“holy politicians and saintly heads of state who profoundly love their own people and wish to serve
rather than be served” (Ecclesia in Africa, n. 111).

Peaceful, free and fair elections

The whole world is watching to see how we will conduct the elections this year. The 2007
elections provide Nigeria and Nigerians a momentous occasion to resolve to retum to the path of
honour in the conduct of elections. These elections will either increase or diminish the respect that the
international community has for Nigeria. To our politicians, we ask: what does it profit a politician if
he steals the mandate to rule and looses the trust of the people? We cannot afford to fail, and there
must be no rigging.

Nigerians deserve and demand free and fair elections from the ruling and opposition parties,
from INEC, and from the security agencies. In the build-up to these elections, mistakes have been
made already. But a number of things can still be corrected in the days that remain before the
elections. We therefore make a passionate appeal that all political parties, INEC, security agents and
the judiciary ensure that there be a level playing ground for all. We appeal to all politicians to exhibit
a more positive attitude to the concept and practice of politics. Power must be handled with great care
and must not be misused by those in authority. We therefore call on the ruling party not to use the
power of incumbency to subvert the wishes of the people. Free and fair elections are in the interest of
the common good. Such elections are not do or die affairs. In fact, when elections are free and fair
there are no losers. All are winners.

As they campaign for public office, we urge our politicians to refrain from intemperate and
uncivil language and address issues that affect the lives of Nigerians. Nigerians want to know how
our politicians will address issues of poverty, unemployment, energy, education, insecurity, religious
disharmony, marginalization of women etc. Instead of a campaign marked by character assassination,
we need a campaign that discusses how economic reforms can lead to economic independence and the
attainment of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

On their own part, Nigerians should vote according to their consciences in the coming
elections. This is a necessary condition for the enthronement of a credible leadership at various levels
of governance.

Just war 0″ corruption

There cannot be good governance where there is corruption, All of us must join hands in
erasing the stigma of corruption on this country. There is justice in a war on corruption. Yet, a just
war must be fought justly. That is why we call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) to be comprehensive, just and fair in its treatment of cases of corruption. The manner of
releasing information by the EFCC may amount to trying people in the media where the burden of
proof is lighter than in a well-constituted court. We urge that utmost respect be accorded the principle
that no one is guilty until proven in a well-constituted court. All semblance of lynching should be
avoided.

Any government that professes to fight corruption sets for itself the high ideal of fighting
injustice. Any government that professes to fight injustice must itself be just. Prompt obedience to
court orders is a requirement of justice. When the courts of the land are disrespected, peace and
stability can no longer be guaranteed. We appeal to govemment and its agents to respect the judiciary,
while we urge the judiciary to dispense justice promptly and without fear or favour.

Peaceful resolution of the Niger Delta Crisis

The Niger Delta issue is a question of justice and good govemance that concems all. The
degradation caused by oil exploration threatens the livelihood of present and future generations in the
Niger Delta. At the same time, violence is scaring away companies that provide means of livelihood
for many. We urge relevant agencies of government to call political office holders in the region to
account for the way resources accruing to the region have been used. Where there are proven cases of
misappropriation, appropriate laws should be applied. We appeal to our youths in the Niger Delta to
eschew violence. Violence will not provide any lasting solution to the problem of the Niger Delta.
For violence is a joumey to a land of no retum.

CONCLUSION

We call on the Justice Development and Peace Commissions at diocesan and provincial
levels, all Catholics, and indeed all civil society organizations to be protagonists in the quest for free,
fair and peaceful elections. We call the attention of the clergy, consecrated persons and our lay
faithful to the theme of the Lenten campaign for the year 2007: “Justice: An Imperative for
Democracy.” We declare that the Fifth Week of Lent be set aside to fast and pray for peaceful, free
and fair elections.

That our hope may not be in vain, and that this generation of leaders and the led not weep on
its death bed, we as Bishops appeal that we all work together to lay a foundation for a future when
generations yet unbom will bless and not curse our memories.

Our hope will not be in vain because, with the psalmist, we too say: “Our help is in the name
of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Our Christian faith strengthens our hope that we can build
a better country by the power of the Almighty who has blessed us with such a wonderful land of
wonderful people. We commend our country and its people into his hands through the matemal
intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Nigeria.

Most Rev. Felix Alaba Jo

Archbishop of Ibadan

President

Most Lucius Ugorji

Bishop of Umuahia

Secretary

A Communique Issued at the End of the Second Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)

at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City,
September 12-16, 2005

Towards Mature Nationhood

Preamble

We, the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, held our Second
Plenary Meeting for the year 2005 at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, from
September 12 to 16, 2005. Having prayerfully reflected on and discussed the situation of
the Church and our country, we issued the following communique.

Long Live the Pope

Since our last meeting in Abuja in February 2005, the Church and indeed the entire world
witnessed the glorious departure of Pope John Paul II and the successful election of Pope
Benedict XVI. While we continue to pray for the repose of the late Pope who had great
affection for Nigerians demonstrated by his two pastoral visits to our country, we pray for
his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, that God may assist him to provide a n even greater
spiritual leadership to the Church and the world at large.

We rejoice at the appointment of the Coadjutor Bishop of Okigwe, Most Rev. Solomon
Amanchukwu Amatu, former Auxiliary Bishop of Awka, and congratulate the Diocese of
Okigwe and its Bishop, Most Rev. Anthony Ilonu, on the development. On July 8, 2005, a
new diocese of Awgu was created out of the Diocese of Enugu. We congratulate the
Bishop-elect, Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, whose Episcopal Ordination is
fixed for September 29, 2005. We thank the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, for these
favours and wish the prelates God’s blessing in their new responsibilities.

20^th World Youth Day

Representatives 0 f.t he Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (C.Y.O.N.) joined 0 ther
youth from around the world in celebrating the zo” World Youth Day in Cologne,
Germany, from 16 – 21 August 2005 with the theme, “We have come to worship him”
(Matt. 2:2). The event brought a glimmer of hope to sustain our various local initiatives
on behalf of the youth. We are not relenting in our commitment to educate and empower
the youth who are the future of the Church and our nation. We continue to call on the
government, other institutions and organizations to reassess and strengthen their various
programmes on behalf of the youth, as well ascreate an environment which favours their
growth and maturity.

Developments in Our Nation

We thank God who granted us Nigerians the opportunity to meet and talk during the
National Political Reforms Conference (February 21 to July 11, 2005) in Abuja, with the
objective to strengthen unity, good n eighbourliness, a nd usher in good governance and
economic prosperity. We hope that elements of the report that arc for the welfare of our
country will be boldly and courageously implemented. We acknowledge the positrve

aspects of Government policy on privatisation to foster
greater investment, good management, supervision, production, and availability of goods
and services. In the same vein, we laud the ongoing efforts to approve more private
universities to provide greater opportunities for the education of the citizens. We hope
that Government would also relax its restrictions on private ownership of the electronic
media by religious bodies for greater freedom of expression and for better education of
Nigerians.

Preparations for the 2007 Elections

The year 2007 is important for our democracy, since it will grve Nigerians another
opportunity to go to the polls to elect their political leaders. In accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the final tenure of the
president and most of the state governors will come to an end by the year 2007. A new set
of political leaders will therefore emerge. We urge President Olusegun Obasanjo to use
the remainder of his term in office to render a long-lasting service to the nation by leaving
behind a more decent political structure that will curb the tragic illegalities and blatant
criminalities of the past, as well as ensure free and fair elections.

Nigerians should stand up against ‘god-fatherism’ and other dubious devices that
disenfranchise t he electorate. The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC)
should be made and seen to be truly independent. The Election Tribunals should be
reorganized in such a way as to dispose of the cases brought before them with minimal
delay. We, Nigerians, need to bear in mind that our destiny as a nation and as individuals
depends largely on the kind of people that we elect into leadership positions.
Unscrupulous and corrupt groups a nd individuals should not be allowed access to such
positions. More good and honest men and women who are endowed with wisdom and
management ability need to offer themselves for the service of the common good and seek
election into political offices, upheld by G09’S grace and truth. The electorate should
demand an account of the past and present activities of political candidates that they vote
for, instead of complaining in apathy and resignation.

Civic education should be provided at all levels of our national life to enlighten the
citizens on their political rights and obligations. The Justice, Development and Peace
Commission of the Church will implement a programme we have designed for this
purpose to empower people to exercise and stand firm on their rights.

Economic Hardship

We arc happy at the news about debt relief. We urge the Government to make public the
terms and conditions of the relief, and do all in its power to bring the negotiations to a
satisfactory conclusion, so as to relieve the, nation of the enslavement of the past and
alleviate the suffering of our people.

Like most Nigerians, we are worried at the incessant increases in the price of petrol and
other petroleum products. Every such increase causes untold hardship to the vast majority
of our people who live at or below the poverty line. It is imperative that the government
address this problem once and for a II by, among other things, putting all our refineries
back to work, so that our dependence on imported products may be reduced to the barest
minimum. It is unacceptable that Nigeria, the sixth highest producer of crude oil in the
world, cannot refine enough of its oil for the use of its citizens.

In designing and prosecuting its economic reform programmes, Government should
consider the interest of the citizens first before those of the international financial
institutions and powerful blocs of nations. Government should seek better ways and
means of engaging people at the grass roots in the process.

National Census

In our last communique in February this year, we declared our support for the national
census. An accurate census is necessary for a more effective management of people and
resources. Given that census offers a great opportunity for gathering and classifying
information, we wonder why ethnic and religious affiliations are not regarded as vital
information for a national data base. These are fundamental items of personal information
that are constantly demanded and invoked for all kinds of govenunent affairs and
procedures. We consider this omission grave and urge that a second look be taken at the
matter before it is too late.

Sexuality Education and Morality

We are concerned at the recent move by the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce at
the Junior and Senior Secondary School levels, a Curriculum for Sex Education which is
harmful to thc ethical and moral development of the young. The curriculum does not take
into full consideration the level of human development and maturity of the young. Neither
does it take into consideration our African culture and tradition. We wish to point out that
sexuality education is to be preferred to mere sex education, and that such education
cannot bed issociated from moral principles. Sexuality education treats sex within the
context of genuine human love, the family and respect for life.

Parents are the first teachers of their children in matters of sexuality. The home already
provides the context of dialogue, trust, openness and respect suitable for such education.
The function of the school is to support and complement this effort. Therefore, in drawing
the content, design and mode of instruction, due cognizance should be taken of respect for
the dignity of the human person, marriage and family life, and the sacredness of human
sexuality. We demand that the government withdraw the proposed curriculum.
Meanwhile, Catholic parents, teachers, youths, organizations, and other persons of
goodwill should reject any programme that divorces sexuality education from the dictates
of conscience and’ the moral order. We declare our willingness to work in partnership with
the government and other stakeholders in the educational sector to draw up a more
acceptable curriculum.

In view of consolidating the values of marriage and family life, marriage preparation
programmes will be intensified at diocesan and parish levels.

Security

We are disturbed at the renewed upsurge in violent crimes and armed robbery in the
country. Churches and other places of worship have also become the targets of attacks in
recent times. The security agencies seem powerless to deal effectively with this menace.
We call on the government to make proper provision for the security of the citizens by
adequately equipping a nd remunerating members 0 f t he police force and 0 ther security
agencies in order to enable and motivate them to properly discharge their responsibilities.
There should also be concerted efforts made to address the unbearably high level of
unemployment in the country. It is generally believed that many of the young people who

engage in armed robbery and other violent crimes do so because they are not gainfully
employed, since “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

War Against Corruption

We commend and support the efforts that are currently being made to combat the evil of
corruption in both the public and private sectors. This goes to show that our “Prayer
against Bribery and Corruption in Nigeria” has not been in vain. We urge all Nigerians to
press on with their efforts at combating corruption until the goal of a corruption-free
Nigeria is finally achieved.

Year of the Eucharist

The Year of the Eucharist (October 2004 – October 2005) will soon come to a close with
the 11 th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2 – 23) in Rome
on the theme “The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church”.
We thank God for the graces we have received during this year as a Church a ud as a
nation.

We thank God also for granting us the privilege of hosting the conclusion of the
continental celebration of the Year of the Bible for Africa and Madagascar in Abuja, July
14 – 19, 2005. The celebration created an awareness of the centrality of the Bible in
Christian faith and worship and its importance in the Christian family life.

Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, satisfies our hunger at the Breaking of Bread as our food
and companion on our earthly pilgrimage. As we prepare to celebrate the 45^th
Anniversary of the birth of our nation on October I, let us be renewed at the two-fold table
of the Word and the Eucharist in love and unity to become effective signs and instruments
of reconci liation and hope for our nation.

May our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us and our dear country, Nigeria.

Most Rev. John Onaiyekan Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji

i Archbishop of Ahuja Bishop of Utnualiia

President, Cutliolic Bishops Conference ofNigeria Secretary. Catholic Bishops Conference oj”Nigcria

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