Catholic Church Urges Government to Subsidize Food, Criticizes Palliative Distribution
The Catholic Church has called on the Federal Government to consider subsidising food items instead of distributing palliatives to a few individuals for their own gain. Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan made this plea at the Justice, Development and Peace Commission in Ibadan, stressing that subsidising food prices would benefit a wider population than current palliative measures.
Archbishop Abegunrin expressed concerns about the mismanagement of palliatives, suggesting that subsidising food prices would ensure the benefits reach more Nigerians. He also highlighted the need for transparency in the use of funds allocated for public welfare, criticizing the ongoing accusations among political leaders.
The economic crisis, compounded by challenges such as the linking of Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN), has further heightened distress and anxiety among Nigerians. The Archbishop called for a more considerate approach in implementing policies that affect citizens, particularly in the banking sector, to alleviate unnecessary stress.
Regarding security challenges, Archbishop Abegunrin criticised the government’s handling of kidnapping and banditry, accusing them of failing to bring identified sponsors to justice. He highlighted the importance of community policing in the absence of adequate security measures, warning of the risk of citizens resorting to vigilante justice.
The Catholic Church also reiterated its call for the return of schools to their original owners, particularly churches, citing the academic excellence and holistic education provided by church-owned schools. They argued that returning schools would benefit the state, as demonstrated by the track record of Catholic schools nationwide.
Vanguard News
