The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has warned that Nigerian youths will continue to protest against economic hardship and hunger until President Bola Tinubu takes meaningful action.
In a statement delivered during the opening session of the CBCN’s 2024 Second Plenary Assembly in Auchi, Edo State, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, President of the Conference, expressed deep concern over the worsening economic conditions and their impact on the youth. He described the current situation as a potential “keg of gunpowder” that could explode if not addressed by the political class.
Bishop Ugorji criticized the use of security forces against peaceful protesters during the recent #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria demonstrations, noting that the government had instead responded with repression rather than solutions.
“We recognize the progress made in some areas, but the state of the nation remains troubling,” Ugorji said. “While President Tinubu has highlighted achievements, the reality is that our economy is in decline and youths are increasingly frustrated. Their protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2024, were a response to this frustration.”
The CBCN condemned the violence against protesters, calling for justice for those killed and support for the injured. The Bishops accused the government of undermining democratic rights and failing to address the root causes of public discontent.
“The ongoing protests reflect the deep-seated issues of poverty, hardship, and corruption. Instead of addressing these problems, the government has chosen to suppress dissent, creating a dangerous precedent,” Ugorji added. “We are concerned that efforts to silence the protests only signal an attempt to ignore the real issues affecting our nation.”
The Bishops emphasized that until the government takes concrete steps to improve economic conditions and address corruption, protests and public outcry are likely to continue.
