Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - “We thank God for his goodness to his Church in our land and to our nation. Despite all pressures and constraints, despite infidelities occasioned by human weakness, the Church of God in Nigeria is growing from strength to strength,” the Bishops of Nigeria stated at the close of their first Plenary Meeting for 2008, which took place in Abuja, February 11-16. At the close of the meeting, the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference issued a statement entitled, “Restoring our Nation,” which has been sent to Agenzia Fides.
The Bishops reiterate their surprise at the unfolding of the state and federal elections of April 2007 (see Fides 28/4/2007 and 19/9/2007): “The flawed federal and state elections of 2007, and the subsequent local government elections, represent a brutal reminder that there is a culture of violation of human dignity in our country.” Yet, at the same time, the document also pointed out the positive role of the magistrates, which has begun to take more distance and autonomy from the political power, as it performs investigations on the electoral process. The Bishops ask that the electoral disputes be resolved as soon as possible, in order to avoid the spread of insecurity among those who hold places of public office, which could distract them from the work they must perform in view of the common good.
Among national priorities, the Bishops indicate the education of youth and the protection of children’s rights: “Our country needs radical reform through person-centred policies in the education sector. We appreciate the campaigns mounted by well-meaning individuals urging the National Assembly to pass the Child Rights Bill. Judging from increasing and demeaning instances of crimes like child abuse, child trafficking, child abandonment etc this Bill is necessary.” In the document, they also invite the Nigerian government to guarantee a quality level school system for all and an abolishment of all discriminations against those students who wish to register in non-state schools.
The Church confirms its desire to “recommit ourselves to stand up against injustice, abuse of human rights, corruption and discrimination both in the Church and in the society. We challenge our Christian politicians to stand up for Christian values and work vigorously for a better society.” The Bishops concluded their message mentioning the coming opening of the new Catholic university in Nigeria: “Conscious of the vital role that university education can play in national restoration, we look forward to admitting students into Veritas University of Nigeria (VUNA) this year. We pledge to run a university noted for spiritual, moral and academic excellence, a university where the younger generation will be formed to be future leaders of this country.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2008 righe 36, parole 441)
