By Abigail Philip David
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr. Callistus Onaga, has urged Nigerian politicians to prioritize the welfare of citizens and take concrete steps to alleviate their suffering.
Speaking at his 2024 Christmas media briefing held at the Bishop’s Court in Enugu on Tuesday, Bishop Onaga called for urgent action to address the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of basic necessities.
He lamented the soaring prices of essential goods, such as yam, which now costs between N4,000 and N5,000 per tuber—an item that previously sold for under N1,000. The bishop attributed this inflation to the government’s inability to tackle insecurity, which has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
“In Nigeria today, it is all about suffering. People can no longer afford basic necessities. Insecurity has made it impossible for Nigerians to farm, and the situation is further worsened by ethnic and political dimensions,” he stated.
Bishop Onaga criticized the ongoing insecurity, particularly in the South East, describing it as self-destructive. He lamented that some individuals are profiting from the crises while communities bear the brunt of violence.
“Here in the South East, we started killing ourselves, claiming we are fighting those who oppress us. But in truth, we are destroying ourselves. This has been going on since 2021. Insecurity has been politicized and ethnicized across the country, from the North East to other regions,” Onaga said.
The bishop also took a swipe at the federal government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of oil subsidies and the cashless policy, which he argued have deepened the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“You cannot make it difficult for people to access cash under the guise of a cashless policy, only to push them back into buying the same money. What kind of economy are we copying? Where has this worked in the world?” he asked.
He further questioned the economic benefits of subsidy removal, noting that despite the policy, food insecurity, inflation, and insecurity remain unresolved.
“If the removal of oil subsidies is meant to improve the economy, where are the results after several months? We are no better in terms of security, food supply, or economic stability. The policies are not working, yet the World Bank and others are applauding them. Is this how it works in their countries?”
Bishop Onaga drew a parallel between Nigeria’s struggles and the biblical Israelites’ search for a Messiah, urging politicians to change course and make life easier for citizens.
“At Christmas, we hope for a better future. Can our leaders begin to believe in the intelligence of those they govern? Can they start implementing policies that truly serve the people and ease their burdens?”
The bishop called for empathy and a genuine commitment to addressing the plight of Nigerians, particularly small-scale traders and ordinary citizens struggling under the weight of economic hardship.
