Calabar: In a sobering address to lay members of the Ecclesiastical Province of Calabar, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, President of the Nigerian Bishops’ Conference, called for urgent constitutional and electoral reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent potential violence. Highlighting the country’s pervasive insecurity and governance challenges, Archbishop Ugorji stressed that fundamental changes are essential to restore citizen confidence and promote social stability.
“Unfair practices, fraud, and alleged errors by Nigeria’s Independent Electoral Commission during the 2023 parliamentary elections have seriously undermined public trust in our electoral system,” Archbishop Ugorji said. He urged that constitutional amendments be enacted to protect the Electoral Commission from political manipulation in future elections, ensuring that citizens can have faith in the democratic process and in the nation’s development.
The Archbishop expressed deep concern over the conduct of politicians, many of whom he claimed prioritize upcoming elections over fulfilling promises to address pressing social issues. “While the country faces serious existential threats, some leaders appear more concerned about the 2027 parliamentary elections than about delivering the commitments they made to the people,” he remarked, urging political actors to focus on governance rather than partisan advantage.
Archbishop Ugorji warned that without peaceful and structured reforms, the likelihood of violent upheaval increases. “Fundamental reforms are necessary to preserve social stability,” he said, adding that “those who seek to obstruct these changes through peaceful means are making violent change inevitable.” His remarks underline the urgency of institutional reforms as a preemptive measure against unrest in Nigeria.
Turning to the human impact of insecurity, the Archbishop painted a grim picture of life in many Nigerian communities. “Towns and villages across the country have become places of fear, where people are forced to flee, mourn, and struggle daily for survival,” he said. He detailed the suffering endured by citizens who are kidnapped, extorted, dehumanized, killed, or displaced, often finding shelter in temporary camps exposed to extreme weather and inadequate food and water supplies.
Archbishop Ugorji also linked the climate of insecurity to poverty and unemployment, warning that these conditions push young people toward crime, emigration, and despair. “Without meaningful interventions, these social ills will continue to spiral, affecting generations to come,” he noted.
Concluding his address, the Archbishop appealed to both authorities and citizens to play active roles in national transformation. He encouraged the government to provide political education and create avenues for meaningful civic engagement, while urging lay people to embrace responsibility in promoting justice, peace, and social cohesion.
The Nigerian Bishops’ Conference’s call comes at a critical moment for the West African nation, which continues to grapple with political unrest, corruption, and escalating insecurity, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to safeguard democracy and prevent further social deterioration.