By Seyi John Salau
Copyright businessday
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for constitutional reforms to deepen good governance, curb corruption, reduce poverty, and end insecurity across the country.
The CBCN in a communiqué issued at the end of its second plenary meeting in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, also called on the government to enact legislation prohibiting the production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to safeguard the life and health of Nigerians.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji,president, CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, and Donatus Ogun, the secretary of the CBCN and bishop of Uromi.
The CBCN in a communiqué titled, ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint: Working Together for a Just Nation’, urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in hope while demanding justice and reform.
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The bishops described corruption and bad governance as the root of the nation’s problem, and expressed concern over worsening insecurity, mass poverty, youth unemployment, a failing health sector, and the steady decline in education.
The bishops cautioned against Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state and insisted on urgent electoral reforms, including real-time electronic transmission and collation of results, as well as impartial appointments to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
On family life, the Catholic bishops decried poor parenting, and the dangers of pornography and cybercrime among the country’s growing population.
The bishops further called for environmental justice in the Niger Delta, stronger support for agriculture, and an end to exploitation by unregulated private ministries.
While acknowledging the significant role of agriculture in the nation’s economy, the bishops expressed deep concern over the potential dangers of GMOs.
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“We equally request governments to put in place regulations that will prohibit the production of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in order to preserve the life and health of our citizens.”
The Catholic bishops also urged the government to focus on enabling traditional farming practices, insisting that Agriculture presents a major source of economic and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“We thank God for the vast expanse of fertile and arable lands available for farming in our country.
“We call on governments at all levels to create a sufficient enabling environment such as mechanisation, adequate security, access roads and incentives to enable farmers work towards production of food for all.”
