Catholic Bishops address #EndBadGovernance protests, Call for government accountability

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has voiced strong concerns over the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, highlighting the deepening frustrations of Nigerians amidst the country’s ongoing economic and social challenges.

In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of their Second Plenary Meeting in Auchi, Edo State, the Bishops acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians to peacefully express their grievances, while also condemning the violence that marred some of the demonstrations.

The Bishops noted that the protests, which initially started peacefully, were a reflection of the widespread distress and frustration among Nigerians. Despite the country’s rich human and natural resources, many citizens continue to struggle with poverty and hardship.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which aimed to bring attention to these issues, unfortunately, turned violent in some areas, leading to the loss of lives, injuries, and significant property damage.

The CBCN strongly condemned the use of violence by some protestors but also expressed deep concern over the actions of security operatives. The Bishops criticized the alleged intimidation, blackmail, and extra-judicial killings by security forces during the protests, stressing that these actions were unacceptable. They called for the protection of citizens’ rights to protest peacefully and demanded justice for those who lost their lives or were injured during the demonstrations.

The Bishops urged the Nigerian government to address the root causes of the protests, including poverty, hardship, and corruption. They emphasized that as long as these issues persist, protests will continue to be a reality in the country. The CBCN called for the immediate release of individuals detained for participating in the protests and urged the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with citizens to address their concerns.

In their communiqué, the Bishops also acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to ensure local government autonomy and called for fair and transparent local government elections. Additionally, they stressed the need for broader electoral reforms to enhance transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Catholic Bishops concluded by urging the government to take decisive steps to improve the lives of Nigerians and restore public confidence in governance. They emphasized the importance of addressing the factors that lead to protests and ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected in all circumstances.