Catholic Bishops caution Tinubu against warmongering in Niger Republic
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Bola Tinubu has again been cautioned to let Nigeriens sort out their problems by themselves instead of going to war with the northern neighbour that will cause deaths and destruction on all sides.
The junta in Niger at the weekend proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, but it was rejected out of hand by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which the Nigerian President currently chairs.
The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province gave the warning against war at the end of a meeting, which was conveyed in a community issued in Ado-Ekiti, jointly signed by its President Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary John Oyejola.
The Ecclesiastical Province, which comprises Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo Dioceses, stressed Nigeria has more than enough challenges of its own to tackle than getting involved in any kind of war.
The Bishops said government must show greater seriousness in tackling the challenges of insecurity and also ensure sustainable programmes for food production to alleviate the crisis of food insecurity.
They urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the daunting challenges and urged government at all levels to restore hope in the land.
“Governments that fail to represent the interest of their people in democracy, compromise their legitimacy. If the public reaction to Nigeria’s involvement in restoring democracy in Niger is anything to go by, one can say that military intervention in Niger being proposed by the leaders of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) is very unpopular,” the communique said.
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Nigerians want negotiation with Niger coupists
“Nigerians favour negotiation and other non-military means and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is President first and foremost of Nigeria, needs to listen to Nigerians before anyone else,” the Bishops stressed, per reporting by Vanguard.
“We call on the President and the National Assembly [NASS] therefore to avoid involving Nigeria in armed conflict in Niger as we have more than enough challenges domestically.
“No Nigerian life should be sacrificed for the crisis in Niger or anywhere else because war of any kind is a failure of humanity.
“Government must show greater seriousness in tackling these challenges head on.
“Recent news of the ambush and killing of 21 Nigerian soldiers by suspected bandits in Kundu, Wushishi local government of Niger State does not inspire confidence that the security agencies are able to confront the prevailing situation.
Tragedies treated with lethargy
“The tragic death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso in an elevator crash at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, a mere two weeks before completing her program, is a metaphor for the needless loss of lives occurring often in Nigeria and the lethargy with which such tragedies are treated.
“Nigeria currently is at risk on many fronts. Of these, food security is a major concern. Any country unable to feed its citizens will be a perpetual victim of manipulation and does not deserve its sovereignty.
“Current threats of scarcity of food and unaffordable cost of living in the country require not only release of resources from the national reserves but an aggressive agricultural campaign aimed at returning Nigerians to the land.
“Government must have sustainable programmes for food production, preservation and processing and provide facilities for Nigerians to engage in it. This commitment over some years will unlock the potential capacity of the country to feed its citizens and other countries as well.
“Government at all levels must seriously work to restore the hope of Nigerians through concrete result-oriented policies and programmes.
“We strongly urge Nigerians too never to give up hope even in the face of the most daunting challenges, for hope is not a disposable ingredient but a God-given gift for the sustenance of life and humanity.”
