The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, has urged urgent reforms to avert violent upheaval in the country.
He said insecurity continues to haunt the nation, stressing the need for constitutional changes to protect the Electoral Commission from political interference.
According to him, unfair practices and alleged fraud during the 2023 presidential elections damaged citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and democracy.
Archbishop Ugorji criticised politicians focused on the 2027 elections instead of addressing insecurity, corruption, and campaign promises vital for national development.
He warned that obstructing peaceful reforms would make violent change unavoidable, calling for fundamental adjustments to preserve justice and stability.
Highlighting insecurity, he noted that many towns and villages now live in fear, with residents forced to flee, mourn, and abandon livelihoods.
He lamented kidnappings, extortion, killings, and mass displacement, where citizens shelter in makeshift camps without food, water, or protection from harsh weather.
According to him, insecurity fuels poverty and unemployment, which in turn drive young Nigerians into crime, emigration, and despair about their future.
Concluding, Archbishop Ugorji appealed to authorities to provide political education and urged lay people to embrace responsibility for national transformation
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