Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a compelling address at the 2024 Second Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri, called for a return to the regional system of government in Nigeria. Speaking at the event held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi, Edo State, Archbishop Ugorji emphasized that the current presidential system has proven ineffective in addressing the nation’s deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, urging a shift towards regional governance as envisioned by Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Archbishop Ugorji highlighted that Nigeria’s problems extend far beyond economic reforms. He criticized the exorbitant costs associated with the military-imposed presidential system, which involves a large number of elected officials and their support staff. According to him, this system not only drains the nation’s resources but also fosters widespread corruption, particularly when national resources are controlled centrally.
“We must acknowledge that the corruption level of many Nigerian politicians has gone beyond scale and measure, and that controlling our national resources at the federal government level creates more opportunities for corruption to flourish,” Ugorji stated. He pointed out that after over 25 years of experimenting with the presidential system, it is time to reconsider a return to regional governance or the devolution of power to the six geopolitical zones. Such a move, he argued, would better align with the wisdom of Nigeria’s founding fathers and could provide a more sustainable and corruption-resistant governance structure.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s achievements mentioned in his August 4th speech, Archbishop Ugorji did not shy away from expressing concern about the current state of the nation. He cited the growing national debt, exacerbated by a $2.25 billion World Bank loan, alongside issues like multiple taxation, hunger, and the insecurity-induced hardship affecting Nigerians. He urged the President to reassess his economic policies, which he argued have inflicted more harm than good on the populace.
Earlier, in his homily, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dunia, Bishop of Auchi Diocese, emphasized that those in authority must serve with humility and respect, as they are divinely appointed to lead. He urged for an end to banditry, corruption, and bad governance through concerted fasting and prayer, reassuring Nigerians that God still hears their prayers and that the country’s fortunes can indeed be turned around.
The assembly of bishops in Auchi served not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a platform for advocating significant political reform, reflecting the deep concern of the Church for the well-being and future of Nigeria.
