Catholic bishops question manipulation of Nigerian constitution

-14/03/06

Catholic bish


Catholic bishops question manipulation of Nigerian constitution

-14/03/06

Catholic bishops have asked the government of Nigeria not to manipulate the Federal Constitution to allow President Olusegun Obasanjo to run for a third term in 2007, reports the Catholic Information Service for Africa (CISA).

The news comes amidst allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chidi Duru, that politicians have been promised 1 million US dollars each if they support the amendment of the constitution to allow for a third term.

But Catholic Bishops say that review of the Constitution should be the decision of all Nigerians, and not just a few who may want to stay in office against the wishes of the people.

ìEven if a third term is made legal through a constitutional amendment process, those presently in power should consider whether it is ethical for them to change the rules to their advantage midway in the game.î

Related Articles

In a communiquÈ issued at the end of their first plenary meeting held from March 6 to 11, the bishops said there was need for a review of the 1999 Constitution to reflect democratic ideals.

During the plenary, the bishops discussed the state of their church and nation.

They said they were outraged at the recent violence provoked by Muslim protests over publication of cartoons of Prophet Mohammed in Europe. They blamed the security forces for failure to contain the violence in which tens of people, among them a priest, were killed and property destroyed.

ìIn line with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we direct all Catholic faithful to observe two days of prayer on March 27 ñ 28 for the deceased and the victims of the riots,î the bishops said.

They expressed satisfaction with political and economic gains that have been made by the nation since the end of military dictatorship, citing achievements in telecommunications, tourism, the oil industry and debt relief.

But Nigerians are still in dire need of basic services amidst growing poverty. ìThe scourge of poverty is still with us despite the indices of economic growth with which we are presented,î the bishops said.

They said the crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta – where some residents have vandalised oil installations and taken hostage workers of multinational companies – was a result of long-standing social injustice against that region.


Catholic bishops question manipulation of Nigerian constitution

-14/03/06

Catholic bishops have asked the government of Nigeria not to manipulate the Federal Constitution to allow President Olusegun Obasanjo to run for a third term in 2007, reports the Catholic Information Service for Africa (CISA).

The news comes amidst allegations by a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Chidi Duru, that politicians have been promised 1 million US dollars each if they support the amendment of the constitution to allow for a third term.

But Catholic Bishops say that review of the Constitution should be the decision of all Nigerians, and not just a few who may want to stay in office against the wishes of the people.

ìEven if a third term is made legal through a constitutional amendment process, those presently in power should consider whether it is ethical for them to change the rules to their advantage midway in the game.î

Related Articles

In a communiquÈ issued at the end of their first plenary meeting held from March 6 to 11, the bishops said there was need for a review of the 1999 Constitution to reflect democratic ideals.

During the plenary, the bishops discussed the state of their church and nation.

They said they were outraged at the recent violence provoked by Muslim protests over publication of cartoons of Prophet Mohammed in Europe. They blamed the security forces for failure to contain the violence in which tens of people, among them a priest, were killed and property destroyed.

ìIn line with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), we direct all Catholic faithful to observe two days of prayer on March 27 ñ 28 for the deceased and the victims of the riots,î the bishops said.

They expressed satisfaction with political and economic gains that have been made by the nation since the end of military dictatorship, citing achievements in telecommunications, tourism, the oil industry and debt relief.

But Nigerians are still in dire need of basic services amidst growing poverty. ìThe scourge of poverty is still with us despite the indices of economic growth with which we are presented,î the bishops said.

They said the crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta – where some residents have vandalised oil installations and taken hostage workers of multinational companies – was a result of long-standing social injustice against that region.