By Musa Kutama, Calabar
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has asserted deep concern over the country’s state of insecurity, citing also, corruption and bad governance as significant obstacles to peace and development.
The CBCN warned that Nigeria is at risk of collapse if urgent reforms are not implemented, advocating for urgent reforms to address the vices.
Speaking with journalists at the weekend in Calabar, in his office, His Grace, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, Archbishop of Calabar, stated that the position taken is the resolution of the church after days of fervent prayers.
The Bishop added that what he has said remains the position of the Catholic Church Bishops, lamenting the continued loss of lives and property, with citizens being kidnapped, dehumanized, killed, or forced to flee their homes.
In a communique issued at the end of their second Sunday plenary held at the Diocese Retreat and Youth Development Centre, Nto Ekpo Ikot, Nko, Ikot-Ekpene Diocese, Akwa Ibom State, from September 11 to 19, 2025, the clerics expressed dismay at the worsening security situation, which has led to many communities being taken over by criminals.
On corruption and bad governance, the clerics identified corruption as the fundamental cause of Nigeria’s problems, describing it as “moral decadence” that has spread to all facets of national life.
They also criticized politicians for prioritizing power play over addressing the people’s sufferings.
The bishops lamented that despite some improvements on roads rehabilitation and minimum wage increase, the bishops averred that poverty and poor governance persist.
They highlighted the struggles of Nigerians, with many living in abject poverty and economic hardship, demanding for urgent electoral reforms in order to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral processes.
They further called for electronic transmission and collation of results in real-time, transparent appointment of INEC officials and upright judiciary that rises above compromise in electoral matters.
The bishops also encouraged citizens to take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future by getting their Permanent Voter’s Cards ready and voting according to their informed conscience.
They further urged the government to address the root causes of economic hardship and insecurity, invest in vocational training and job creation initiatives, as well as ensuring timely trials and improved prison infrastructure.
