The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has raised concerns over the state of the nation, warning that Nigeria is “sitting on a ticking time bomb” under the administration of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This warning was issued by the President of the CBCN, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, during the opening session of the 2024 second Plenary Assembly of the CBCN in Auchi, Edo State.
Archbishop Ugorji, who also serves as the Archbishop of Owerri, emphasized that the persistent issues of poverty, hardship, and corruption are fueling discontent among Nigerians.
He warned that unless these challenges are addressed, the country should brace for more protests.
He criticized certain government officials for shifting blame and searching for scapegoats instead of tackling the root causes of the nation’s problems.
The Archbishop also expressed concern over actions taken by security operatives to crack down on protesters and their alleged sponsors, suggesting that such measures could infringe on citizens’ democratic rights and freedoms.
He stated, “We wish to stress that as long as the nation is afflicted with poverty, hardship and corruption, and as long as the future of youths in our nation remains bleak, we continue to experience protest. Rather than address the ill, trying to drown the nation, some government officials are busy passing the buck and looking for a scapegoat.
“We are indeed sitting on a ticking time bomb as security operatives try to crack down on some of those involved in the protest and their sponsors on trumped-up charges.
“This raises concerns about whether they are trying to strip citizens of their democratic rights and freedoms to protest or give the impression that everything in the country is fine and there was really no need for the protest. This is delusional and condemnable,” he added.
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