By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
“A hungry man remains an angry man, whether he has the courage to demonstrate it in the face of armed security agents or not, there is a raging war within him. As he suffers, someone must suffer along with him because hunger breeds crime in the society.”
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“The lasting solution to hunger protests is creating a functional society, based on justice and equity, where the citizens have the opportunity to work and earn a decent living, rather than entrenching the dehumanizing policy of palliatives.”
As Nigeria faces protests driven by widespread dissatisfaction with poor governance and endemic corruption, questions have arisen regarding the stance of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Some perceive the bishops as silent or inactive, a view rooted in a misunderstanding of their role. Rather than being seen as pressure groups or activists, the Catholic bishops are moral guides, offering counsel to both leaders and followers in the nation.
Through their thoughtful communiques, statements, and sermons, the bishops have unswervingly acted as the nation’s moral compass, addressing numerous social issues and pointing out the consequences while also proposing solutions. One hopes that the current crises will serve as an educable moment to remind ourselves and take heed of some of the recent interventions of the bishops on the multiple social and economic challenges facing the nation. If heeded, their guidance could assuage much of the current quagmire in the nation.
Reflecting on their 2019 communiqué, issued after their First Plenary Meeting in Abuja, titled “Governance in Nigeria and the Common Good,” the bishops emphasized that good governance prioritizes the well-being and development of all citizens, especially the underprivileged. They stressed that true governance requires virtues such as patience, modesty, moderation, charity, and a commitment to sharing resources.
“As a matter of justice, not charity, political governance must focus on providing basic amenities, enacting sound policies, and showing concern for the underprivileged, who are often excluded from participating in their own development. We urge all levels of government in Nigeria to establish necessary governance structures and enact appropriate laws to create such an environment. We also insist on respecting the democratic principles of separation of powers and judicial independence” (CBCN Communiqué, 2019).
In response to the discontent that followed the 2019 elections which was marred by voter apathy, violence, and malpractice, the bishops stated, “We acknowledge those declared winners and commend the civility of those who rejected the results.” They further admonished, “Whoever holds power must remember that power belongs to God alone. God demands strict accountability for how power is acquired and used, for God cannot be deceived or challenged (Lk 16:2).”
The Catholic hierarchy have also been persistent in condemning the widespread killings across the country and the government’s feigned helplessness. They warned: “This persistent devaluation of human life and property poses an existential threat to our survival and that of our nation. How can the government continue to appear helpless in the face of such tragedy? We strongly appeal to the President, in collaboration with the Governors of Kaduna State and other affected states, to take serious steps to prevent total anarchy and mayhem.” (CBCN Communiqué, 2019).
In their February 2021 communiqué, titled, “We Must Pull Back from the Brink of Collapse,” the bishops sounded a loud warning about Nigeria’s precarious state, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to prevent the nation’s collapse. They noted that while Nigeria has survived past crises, the situation as at then demanded grave concern from all who believe in a united nation under God. The bishops stressed that the country teeters on the brink of collapse, warning, “This is not merely crying wolf without cause!” They emphasized that the nation’s very survival is at stake with disturbing trends, including citizens’ growing demand for self-defence, calls for ethnic-based secession, non-state actors displacing government in some areas, and blatant disregard for the rule of law, especially by those in government. The bishops concluded that document by highlighting essential principles for national progress, which include: mutual respect, diversity acceptance, justice, equity, solidarity, inclusiveness, and sincere dialogue. They advised the government to engage in citizen dialogue and also encouraged citizens to engage with one another.
In 2023, the Catholic Bishops’ communiqué titled “Citizens’ Participation in Good Governance in Nigeria” again sounded the warning on the nation’s worsening insecurity, economic challenges due to mismanagement and corruption, and their attendant negative effects on the citizens. Seizing the window of hope promised by the 2023 general elections, the bishops issued a pastoral letter to educate the populace on civic responsibilities, urging them to vote for individuals of unassailable integrity capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic issues.
They advocated that, “Participation is at the core of realizing the common good, which good governance serves. Indeed, citizens’ participation is a key element of a good governance structure. We, the Bishops, have consistently voiced the need for Nigerians to be more involved in decision-making processes” (CBCN Communiqué, 2023).
On a positive note, expectant that the government was sincere, the Catholic Bishops commended the National Assembly and the President for enacting and signing the Electoral Bill 2022 into law, and acknowledged the President’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. In the same spirit, the bishops advised, “Politics is a noble vocation… We therefore encourage all politicians to uphold the values of integrity and decency.” (CBCN Communiqué, 2023). They also appealed to INEC to ensure the optimal functioning of the new technology without manipulations, while urging law enforcement agents to discharge their duties efficiently and professionally, without fear, favour, or partiality. Additionally, they cautioned the youths against thuggery and counseled judges to maintain the sanctity of their offices as temples of truth and justice. We know better today!
Furthermore, as the situation in the nation turned more awry, in their February 2024 communiqué, titled “Together for the Common Good in the Church and Our Nation,” the Catholic bishops in Nigeria expressed strong solidarity with the people suffering from the nation’s deteriorating security and economic conditions.
Considering the plight of many citizens who had to flee their homes, abandon their farms, shops, businesses, and other sources of livelihood, and the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the bishops reminded that “The legitimacy of government depends on its capacity to protect life and property.”
Devoid of any ambiguity, the bishops categorically stated: “Our worsening economy has continued to make living hard and difficult for our people, who have been subjected to a life of grinding poverty, continuing hunger, and untold hardship. The situation is worsened by the high unemployment rate, which has further impoverished and degraded our citizens. While we note the Federal Government’s efforts to address key economic problems, some policies seem not to have been properly thought through, resulting in outcomes that fall short of expectations.” (CBCN Communiqué, 2024).
The bishops followed this with a passionate appeal to the Government to take decisive actions to stem the ugly tide, and followed up with recommendations on how to promote social cohesion, good governance, and national rebirth in Nigeria. These recommendations included the need to evaluate the benefits of creating State Police and assessing existing security outfits, support of agriculture and small-scale industries, respecting media freedom, promoting godliness, honesty, and hard work, condemning corruption, and prosecuting crime. The prelates also emphasized the critical role of the media in nation-building, stating, “The Media play a critical role in nation-building … They have the capacity to inform, enlighten, and guide the government and citizens on important matters of governance.” (CBCN Communiqué, 2024).
As pastors, the bishops always called on the government and people of Nigeria to repentance and a change of heart, stating, “We equally call on the entire Nigerian elite… to repent and change their attitude of greed and selfishness.”
Despite all these counsels, why is Nigeria still the way it is? Why is there so much hunger, sickness, suffering, pain, killing, corruption, war, injustice, illiteracy, and all the different forms of despicable social ills? Scripture says, “Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Same book of Proverbs, chapter 29, verse 2 says: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” The Bible shows that the nation of Israel usually prospered under the reign of kings who were conscious of their humanity, struggled to follow the way of God and listened to His prophets.
King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom because he always sought guidance from God. His request for wisdom from God to lead his people aright demonstrated his humility, self-awareness, prioritization of the good of the people, and the desire to please God (cf. 1 Kings 3:5-12), which are the hallmarks of a good leader. Also, David often consulted Prophet Nathan, and even when the prophet’s counsel sounded unpalatable, he harkened to it rather than turn to the soothing lies of the prophets of Baal. He listened to Prophet Nathan when he told him not to build the temple for God (2 Samuel 7:1-17), and repented when the prophet accused him of his crime against his loyal soldier, Uriah the Hittite (2 Sam. 11). David’s reliance on wise counsel helped him navigate many challenges during his reign. Thus, in spite of his many limitations, David was promised an everlasting dynasty in 2 Samuel 7:16 where God tells him: “I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn to my servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations’” (Psalm 98:3-4). This Davidic covenant was ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ, the Son of David.
Conversely, the bible is also replete with instances of leaders who refused counsel from God and His prophets. Saul disobeyed God’s commands multiple times. A notable instance was when he spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, acting contrary to God’s command to destroy everything (1 Samuel 15). The consequence was that God rejected Saul as king, on the note that “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and listening, better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:26-28). King Ahab, influenced by his wicked wife, Jezebel, led Israel into idolatry and ignored the warnings of the prophet Elijah. His refusal to repent led to his downfall and a prophesied violent death (1 Kings 21:20-24; 1 Kings 22:34-38).
These examples illustrate the importance of heeding God’s guidance and the consequences of ignoring Him and His prophets. This is the bane of most leaders in Nigeria, and the cause of most of our problems as a nation.
Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the pains and suffering experienced in Nigeria today are direct consequences of a collective refusal to heed wise counsels. Unlike the demands of other past protests in Nigeria’s history, a hunger protest is a phenomenon bordering on an existential threat. A hungry man remains an angry man, whether he has the courage to demonstrate it in the face of armed security agents or not, there is a raging war within him. As he suffers, someone must suffer along with him because hunger breeds crime in the society. Even a hungry baby protests by crying and throwing tantrums, nothing can stop that protest, except food.
The current protests and unrest are effects, not causes; consequences of failure to listen to voice of reason consistently provided by the bishops and many well-meaning Nigerians. The lasting solution to hunger protests is creating a functional society, based on equal justice and equity, where the citizens have the opportunity to work and earn a decent living, rather than entrenching the dehumanizing policy of palliatives. As a nation, we must desist from listening to the ‘prophets of Baal’, who take the form of sycophantic advisers, fake men of God, and local or foreign anti-people agencies and organisations whose interests are vehemently against the common good of the people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 calls us to repentance: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As Nigeria navigates its current challenges, it is imperative for both the government and the people to turn to God and listen to the bishops’ prophetic voice. By embracing the bishops’ guidance and turning to God, Nigeria can foster a new era of leadership and citizenship, guided by the principles of justice, equity, and solidarity.
As the Catholic bishops continue to play their part, “O that today you listen to His voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95:7-8); for Nigeria is not beyond redemption.
Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh is the National Director of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja. csndirectorate@gmail.com