By Ade Iyamoye
Catholic bishops across Nigeria have said the key to ending ethno-political tensions and growing insecurity in the country lies in overhauling the nation’s leadership approach and fulfilling the promises made to the people.
Speaking in Abuja during the 2025 World Communication Day Mass organised by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Bishop of Lafia Diocese, David Ajang, linked the persistent agitations in the country to marginalisation and lack of inclusivity, stressing that once the leadership challenge is addressed, the disunity will fade.
He said: “Nobody can deny that Nigeria is divided today. Carry out a study, listen to the news; when you listen to a perspective, you can guess where the person comes from. When a certain region is in power, the thinking of most people is that it is the turn of the region to enjoy the goodies of the country, and then those who are not from that region will feel sidelined.”
Ajang also noted that the struggle by Northern politicians to reclaim power was driven by a sense of exclusion and a belief that benefits come only when a particular region is in power.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, the Archbishop of the Lagos Metropolitan See, Alfred Martins, challenged political leaders to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and the biting economic hardship.
He spoke after a Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, which coincided with his 66th birthday celebration.
He decried the deepening despair among citizens, especially the youth, many of whom are fleeing the country or resorting to crime in search of better opportunities.
He said: “If we want to keep the country together, our government needs to do more than just the promises. We are constantly being told that things are getting better. But many people are not feeling that betterment. So, we hope and plead that they do something more than is being done at this point in time. But our people should also keep on asking their leaders and hold them accountable for the things that they have promised to do. If we do not hold them accountable, naturally, they believe that everything is well.”
