AFRICA/NIGERIA – Bishops say: "Yes to the State of emergency but it is politicians have to work for peace,"

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - "We welcome the President’s efforts to put national challenges under control," said His Exc. Mgr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at a press conference, referring to the proclamation of a state of emergency in three States in the northeast, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa (see Fides 15/05/2013). The Nigerian army has started a series of military operations against the Boko Haram sect in these States, which has also seen the use of combat aircraft.
Mgr.Kaigama reported the position of the Catholic Bishops' Conference chaired by him at a press conference.
The Archbishop stated that after reviewing the situation, the Bishops believe that the initiatives taken by the Head of State, Goodluck Jonathan, are suitable and in the interest of the nation. "We think that, given the seriousness of the crisis, the President should use all the resources and opportunities available to resolve tensions in different areas of the Country," said Msg. Kaigama.
The President of the CBCN added that military measures alone are not enough to resolve the situation but a responsible involvement of the political class is also needed. "It seems clear that all these problems are a direct result of the upcoming elections to be held in 2015," said Mgr. Kaigama referring to manipulation by some politicians of the various armed Nigerian groups for electoral purposes.
"We believe the political class is responsible for ensuring the stability of our dear nation and that is why we are asking the President to mobilize the political leadership to resolve the ongoing crisis in the Country," concluded Mgr. Kaigama. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/05/2013)