The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has supported the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for their criticism of the country’s economic and security situation, saying their comments are a reflection of the daily realities that millions of Nigerians face.
The forum also criticised what it characterised as “unwarranted attacks” on the priest by some presidential advisers and supporters, saying speaking about poverty, insecurity and human suffering should not be politicised, The PUNCH reports.
The position was contained in a statement issued today by the MBF National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat.
The declaration came after recent engagements following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria meeting with President Bola Tinubu in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on July 24, during which the bishops allegedly expressed worries over rising poverty, economic hardship and insecurity.
The president insisted that reforms by his administration were bearing positive fruits, but Onaiyekan told AFP afterwards that Tinubu seems to be getting wrong information on the real situation of ordinary Nigerians.
The comments raised the ire of several government officials, notably the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who accused the clergyman of making political comments.
But the MBF said the attacks were “unfair, unnecessary and totally misplaced”.
“The forum said, “Cardinal Onaiyekan only said what millions of Nigerians live with every day. He didn’t have the sound of a politician, or an oppositionist. “The Cardinal spoke as a true Nigerian patriot and a respected religious leader who has always stood for justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens. History
The forum said the situation in the Middle Belt remained particularly dire, with allegations that communities across the region continued to be attacked by terrorists and armed Fulani militias.
It said thousands have been killed, millions displaced and many villages destroyed, farmers unable to till their land and widows, orphans and the elderly becoming more reliant on humanitarian aid.
“The effect has been catastrophic. Farmers can’t farm their land anymore. Families have lost houses, businesses and means of living. “Children have been forced out of school while countless widows, orphans and elderly people are now dependent on humanitarian aid just to stay alive,” the statement said.
However, the MBF did recognise what it termed the sacrifices and heroism of members of the Armed Forces and other security services in battling insecurity, stressing that many had paid the supreme price in the course of duty.
It contended that millions of Nigerians still cannot live, farm and do lawful enterprises without fear despite the efforts of security officers. History
The forum on the economy said the national minimum wage had been increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in the Tinubu administration, but inflation and the depreciation of the naira had significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers.
Since the administration’s economic changes were introduced, the prices of petrol, food, transit, energy, cooking gas, healthcare and education have risen substantially, it stated.
The MBF encouraged the president to accept constructive criticism and not enable followers to assault individuals who raised their voices about the country’s problems.
“Leaders are strengthened by hearing uncomfortable truths, not by surrounding themselves with those who tell them what they want to hear,” the statement read.
The forum also urged Tinubu to conduct an independent assessment on the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, especially victims of terrorism and violent attacks, saying first-hand accounts from displaced persons, farmers, widows, market women and unemployed youths would give a better picture of conditions in the country.
It restated its support for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Cardinal Onaiyekan, stressing that telling the truth about poverty, insecurity and human suffering was “a constitutional right, a moral obligation and a patriotic duty.”
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