Catholic Archbishop Appeals for Release of Separatist Leader in Nigeria, Urges Government to “explore civil remedy”

“I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explore civil remedy in the release of Nnamdi Kanu so as to restore economic and social lives to the South-east,” the Local Ordinary of Owerri, who doubles as the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said. 

“Insecurity has become an issue in the South-east,” he lamented, and added, “Unfortunately, the sit-at-home order has continued to paralyse economic and social lives in the South-east.”

The Nigerian Catholic Church leader went to highlight the negative impact of the security challenges to the economy of the region, saying, “There has been repeated outcry in the South-east. Business operators have lost billions of naira because of sit-at-home orders. Many poor families are afraid to come out on Mondays.”

He thanked the Governor of Nigeria’s Imo State that is in the territory of Orlu Diocese, Hope Uzodimma, for “stepping up security to guarantee the safety of citizens of Imo State.”

“I thank my brothers who took the risk from far and wide to attend today’s occasion despite the insecurity challenges across the country particularly in Southeast,” Archbishop Ugorji said during the Episcopal Consecration of the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu.

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IPOB members have declared a “sit-at-home” every Monday until their leader, Mr. Kanu, is set free. 

In his speech during the March 20 Consecration event, Governor Uzodimma said, “The church, apart from the family and the school, is the most influential agent of socialization. I would therefore expect that the growth we are experiencing would translate to the spiritual upliftment of the larger society.”

“Regrettably, the evidence on ground does not suggest so. In reality, and this is quite surprising, it appears that as the church grows, so does criminality,” the Nigerian Governor lamented.

He continued, “It is either that the church is not doing enough to impact enduring moral lessons on the faithful or that this generation suffers from hardness of the heart as our Lord described the Jews in Matthew 19:8.”

“Some have also argued that if not for Christ, the situation would have been much worse than it is at the moment. Whatever the reason is, the case should be of serious concern to all of us,” Governor Uzodimma said.

He went on to laud the Catholic Church for spearheading the provision of “guidance and directions” to Nigerian children.

“Albeit, going by the current happenings in the Nigerian society, I am proud to say that the Catholic Church is leading the way in the moral rearmament of society. One can only wonder where our children would have wandered into if the church was not there to provide guidance and directions,” he said, and added, “In spite of these achievements, I think there is need to do more.”

Governor Uzodimma recalled that “two years ago, I commended the Catholic Bishops for their boldness in speaking truth to power.”

“Apart from reinforcing that commendation, I wish to add that while others have been losing their heads inciting their flocks against government as a result of the present economic situation in the country, the Catholic Bishops have been matured and indeed mindful of their actions and utterances, knowing that they bear a lot of responsibilities not just within the church but also outside,” he said.

Governor Uzodimma pledged continued collaboration, saying his administration “shall continue to partner with the church on ways to bring succour and alleviate the suffering of our people.”

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“I am more than committed to ensuring that Imo residents are not left alone in this journey of economic recovery,” he said during the March 20 Consecration of Bishop Ifeanyichukwu as Auxiliary of Orlu Diocese that covers Imo State.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.