Former Kano governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Tuesday backed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, saying their assessment of rising hardship and insecurity reflected the daily reality of millions of citizens.
In a statement posted on his verified X account, Kwankwaso praised the bishops for speaking out after their recent plenary meeting.
“I commend the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for demonstrating courage and patriotism by drawing attention to the realities confronting our nation,” he wrote.
“Their concerns regarding the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence, and the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians are neither partisan nor isolated; they reflect the daily experiences of ordinary citizens across every region of our country.”
Kwankwaso noted that despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources, many Nigerians still struggle with economic pressure, joblessness, insecurity and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
“Nigeria is blessed with abundant human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to struggle under the weight of economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, poor access to quality education and healthcare, and diminishing opportunities,” he said.
He urged leaders at all levels to pursue urgent, sincere and people-centred solutions and called on citizens to continue pressing for accountability and good governance.
“I encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to continue constructively engaging the Federal Government and other leaders at all levels whenever the opportunity arises, advocating for good governance, accountability, and policies that prioritise the security, welfare, and prosperity of our people,” Kwankwaso added. “It is through such collective commitment and responsible leadership that we can build a more peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The bishops had warned that soaring inflation, high food prices, persistent insecurity and youth unemployment were pushing more people into poverty and eroding public trust.
