The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has said due to the harsh economy and unfair policies leading to scarcity of fuel and cash crunch, many Nigerians were taking to crime, going to bed without food, even as many were begging to survive. President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji in an address at the Opening Session of the 2023 First Plenary Assembly of the CBCN yesterday in Abuja, noted that the Federal Government seemed overwhelmed with the situation but maintained that Nigerians have yet another opportunity to vote in leaders who would implement policies that would favour the country both politically and economically.
He said: “Our collapsing national economy worsens the ugly situation. While the value of the naira continues to decline, the cost of basic commodities, including food items, continues to soar, with serious effects on the lives and livelihoods of our people. On account of longpersisting fuel scarcity, Nigerians spend endless hours in long queues under harsh weather conditions trying to buy fuel at exorbitant prices.
The disastrous implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cash swap policy, which resulted in a cash crunch, has added to the ordeal, anger and frustration of the masses. “On account of the hard-biting economic conditions, many of our brothers and sisters are pauperised and go to bed without food. Many of them are resorting to crime and beg ging to survive. This situation is further compounded by the growing debt burden that is mortgaging our future and the future of generations coming after us. The future of the country looks bleak. “The government seems overwhelmed by the situation, despite its claim that it is on top of the matter.
However, all hope is not lost. “The forthcoming general elections allow us to choose competent leaders who can turn our economy around. Each voter should endeavour to get enlightened about the background and past records of candidates seeking political offices.” President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who urged Christian’s to play active roles in partisan politics, however, called on the Federal Government to desist from lopsided appointments and employments especially those in sensitive positions, considering the nation’s diversity.
