By Chidi Nkwopara
OWERRI — The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged Nigerians to work collectively for the common good, declaring that a new Nigeria is possible if citizens change their attitudes and prioritise national interest above personal gain.
The call was part of an eight-point communiqué issued at the end of the conference’s first plenary and signed by its President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.
“A better Nigeria is possible, and we enjoin everyone to contribute to building our nation,” the communiqué stated.
It emphasised the need for a change of attitude across board and a generous, selfless disposition to serve the common good, stressing that social transformation must be rooted in respect for human dignity and rights.
The bishops noted that leadership at both national and sub-national levels must be entrusted to individuals with proven integrity, competence and commitment to public service.
“The common good presupposes respect for the dignity and rights of everyone. It involves the social welfare and development of one and all in the society,” the communiqué added.
The CBCN also expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity and loss of lives across the country, despite ongoing military operations.
The bishops said they support the move by President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency and recruit more security personnel, but lamented that violent attacks and killings continue in many parts of the country.
They cited incidents of mass killings in communities, particularly in parts of Kwara State, as well as attacks in the Northern region and the Middle Belt involving students, worshippers and farmers.
According to the communiqué, many farmers remain unable to access their farmlands due to fear of attacks, while numerous families have been displaced by insurgency and banditry.
To address insecurity, the bishops called on governments at all levels to invest in modern surveillance technology and strengthen intelligence gathering by security agencies.
They also urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping — as well as those who finance such crimes — are swiftly arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law to deter future offences.
The conference reiterated that achieving the common good requires collective participation, respect for human rights and a shared commitment to national development.
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