Nigerian Catholic Bishops Decry Rampant Corruption and Violence

In a solemn address on Sunday, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria solemnly highlighted the pervasive corruption plaguing the nation and called upon the government to revitalize the economy and combat poverty. During a thanksgiving Mass at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), expressed distress over Nigeria’s predicament. He specifically addressed the alarming levels of corruption, along with the senseless violence and abduction cases in Imo State and other regions of the country. Ugorji emphasized, “Corruption is a worrisome vice in our public life. It has evolved into an extensive and immeasurable problem, encompassing moral decay, defilement, and a loss of integrity. It spans a wide range, from bribery, embezzlement, and inflated billing to abuse of power, favoritism, and plundering of public resources.” He continued, “Corruption is a corrosive and contaminating force. It has already deeply permeated the lives of many of our citizens, both young and old, fostering a culture of cultural and moral decay.” The Bishops’ poignant statements come amidst a backdrop of escalating economic hardships and pervasive insecurity in Nigeria. Their appeal resonates with the nation’s urgent need for resolute action against corruption and violence, while concurrently forging a path toward economic rejuvenation and poverty alleviation.