By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has sounded fresh alarms regarding the ongoing security challenges and corruption plaguing the nation, urging decisive action from the Federal Government in the interest of national security.
During an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, the Secretary-General of the CSN, Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi, represented by his Deputy, Fr. Michael Banjo, emphasized the government’s responsibility to prioritize the safety of citizens and safeguard their property.
Highlighting the intertwined issues of insecurity and corruption, Banjo underscored the vital role of families in shaping societal values, emphasizing the church’s advocacy for strong family units to mitigate criminal activities among youths.
Addressing internal challenges within the Church, Fr. Banjo acknowledged the need for dialogue to address divisions and promote inclusivity, stressing the importance of synodality in fostering national unity amidst cultural diversity.
The Director of Social Communications at the CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, condemned the violence targeting children in schools, framing the current insecurity as a battle between good and evil. He urged unity in confronting these challenges, transcending political, religious, and tribal divides.
On the issue of corruption, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, called for accountability and justice for corrupt individuals, criticizing the lack of legal consequences for their actions. He urged transparency in addressing criminal activities, challenging authorities to confront corruption head-on.
Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, Director of the Church and Society Department at the CSN, proposed education support as a long-term solution to address insecurity, emphasizing the empowerment of communities, particularly youth, through education initiatives.
Amidst mounting challenges, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and social cohesion, calling for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address the root causes of insecurity and corruption for the betterment of Nigerian society.
