Rising from unending wanton killings,kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other social vices ravaging Nigeria, the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, CLCN, has task Federal and states Government to beef up internal security to end the menace.
CLCN said the general insecurity in the country should be a major source of utmost concern to all people of goodwill, both the government and the governed, urging the government to live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and properties and strengthening the existing security platforms.
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) during the 148 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting after in-dept deliberations resolved as follows:
The Laity Council of Nigeria made their position during its 148 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Archbishop A.K.Obiefuna, retreat, pastoral and the conference centre, Akwa Diocese in Anambra state, held from Friday, 17-19 June, 2022.
According to the resolution of the meeting signed by the National President and Secretary-general of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Sir Henry Yunkwap and Dame Chisara Egwim-Chima said, the Church is the conscience of the society and must live up to this role by striving to bring about positive changes in the larger society.
“This demands that the clergy and the lay faithful should live Christ-like life by being exemplary and courageous even in the face of violence, terrorism and insecurity.
“We out rightly condemns the brutal massacre of worshippers of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
“We empathize with the immediate bereaved families and the Diocese of Ondo over the ignoble act, and pray for the quick recovery of the wounded. We urge the local parishes and Diocese to beef up internal security arrangements to protect the church from further attacks, while looking forward to the perpetuators of the heinous act being apprehended and brought to
book accordingly.”
On ASUU strike issue, the Laity Council said the unending negotiations between the unions of tertiary institutions and the Federal Government which has led to the continued closure of tertiary institutions in the country can not be ruled out as a contributory factor to the rising wave of
insecurity in the country. “Council aligns with other well-meaning individuals in the call for a quick and permanent
resolution of the seeming unending impasse.
The Council further stated that in line with the Catholic Social Teachings, we enjoin all Catholics to actively participate in secular politics. “We passionately urge all parishes to conscientize the people via sundry awareness programs.
“All eligible individuals should obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections. The Catholic Social Forum (CSF) should be up and doing in this direction.
“Given the undoubtable uneasiness and turbulence manifestly prevalent in our society today, Council admonishes all
Catholic Faithful to continue to uphold the scriptural injunctions and instructions of the magisterium as well as the sacred traditions of the church as handed on by the fathers of the church.
“As the election year approaches, the church is challenged to produce a template for good governance which should serve as a roadmap for the people in government. Furthermore, we must build robust coalition, synergy and establish formidable network with other relevant organizations
