A delegation of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria met yesterday behind close doors with President Goodluck Jonathan. The delegation was led by the CBCN President and Archbishop of Jos, Ignatius Kaigama.
Most Rev Kaigama told journalists after the meeting that the experience of the Catholic Church in providing relief in crisis situations cannot be overlooked and it was therefore necessary for the government to get them involved.
“We are here on behalf of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria. We have some concerns about the situation of security in the nation as well as political developments. So, in general terms we shared with him in a conversation and discussion.”
“We thought this is not right. We have families that are just stranded. We thought that the president should know.”
He noted further that “We have what we call the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission; we respond when there is an emergency. We know how to technically do registration of displaced people.
“The little funds we gather, we buy clothing and materials and are able to reach out very effectively. You would almost say, scientifically, because every victim gets something.
“So we are telling government that we are aware of the wonderful effort they do, the relief they give through NEMA and other agencies; the effectiveness of the distribution is our concern.”
President Jonathan had told the bishops that government was reviewing its strategies and that, by the grace of God, the terror attacks being witnessed will soon be a thing of the past.
According to the cleric, “This is the assurance we are coming away with. We are here with long years of experience; as a Catholic Church, we don’t discriminate. In fact, 90 percent of the people we give relief to are not Christians or even Catholics, so we should be brought on board.”
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