The Catholic Bishops of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province have expressed their concerns regarding the reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu, stating that the promised renewal of hope for Nigerians has not been achieved.
The Bishops observed that the reforms have led to increased inflation, widespread hunger, and a growing sense of frustration among the populace.
This sentiment was conveyed in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of their two-day meeting, held at Sacred Heart Pastoral/Retreat Centre, Orlu. The communiqué was signed by the Chairman, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, and the Secretary, Most Rev. Augustine Echema.
The Bishops emphasized the numerous social and economic challenges faced by Nigeria, leading to significant hardships for its citizens.
They highlighted that the promised reforms have not resulted in the anticipated positive transformation; instead, inflation has continued to rise, exacerbating feelings of deprivation and disillusionment.
The Bishops acknowledged the ongoing national hunger protest and expressed understanding towards the frustrations of the youth, affirming the justification for their discontent with the current state of the nation.
They stressed the necessity for collective efforts to fortify political institutions, emphasizing that without such efforts, effective governance and socio-economic stability will remain elusive for Nigerians.
The Bishops called upon Nigerian citizens to adapt to the challenging circumstances by rejecting all forms of corrupt practices and making necessary adjustments in their conduct. They underscored the importance of responsible leadership at all levels of government and urged for prudent spending to address the prevalent hardships faced by the populace.