Buhari's address to Catholic Bishops

This is the speech delivered by General Mohammadu Buhari during his visit to members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN):

As our nation approaches perhaps the most crucial election in our history, all true patriots are called to deeper reflection of the basic ingredients that bind the nation together- our common freedom, peace and unity. This reflection is even more relevant in the face of the illegal postponement of the general elections- a feat achieved through various sinister ploys and with the sole aim of avoiding the will and verdict of the people. In all of these, I feel the urgeto communicate some of my personal vision and thoughts to the people of our great country, especially on the question of religion, a sensitive matter for many citizens that has become the most frequently used tool by the ruling party. This affordsme an opportunity to give my response to the ruling party’s false propaganda and lies against my person.

Onaiyekan, Kaigama chide Mbaka over GEJ comments; he does not speak for the church - Okogie

The recent comments by a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has continued to receive criticisms from many quarters including leaders of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Fr. Mbaka who runs the Adoration Ministry, Enugu had asked Nigerians to reject President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and vote for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd ) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 14 presidential election. But this apparently partisan comments did not go down well with the church's hierarchy.

Catholic Bishops meet with President Jonathan

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.