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The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, has urged Federal Government to urgently address the worsening insecurity across the country.
Obodo made the call on Thursday during the Chrism Mass officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, at the Holy Ghost Cathedral.Enugu.
The Chrism Mass is a significant Catholic liturgical celebration held during Holy Week.
It symbolises the unity of priests with their bishop and features the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, as well as the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens.
The bishop in his homily, lamented that the nation was “sinking” under the weight of insecurity, alleging that many citizens were being hunted and killed daily without adequate response from authorities.
He cited a recent incident during Palm Sunday at Jos, where dozens of people were reportedly killed, noting discrepancies between official figures and accounts from local residents.
“The problems in this country are too much. People are being killed every day without stopping. The Federal Government must act urgently to protect lives and property—that is their primary responsibility,” he said.
Obodo also raised concerns over what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties and push Nigeria toward a one-party system, warning that such a move would not work in the country’s democratic setting.
According to him, leaders should prioritise governance and security over political manoeuvring, adding that many Nigerians, including women and families, were in distress due to the current situation.
He further criticised rising national debt and questioning government priorities amid widespread hardship.
On electoral matters, the cleric expressed fears that proposed changes to the Electoral Act might undermine transparency, particularly regarding real-time transmission of election results.
In spite of these challenges, Obodo urged Nigerians to remain prayerful, stressing the importance of spiritual action alongside civic responsibility.
“We complain a lot without praying enough. There is power in prayer. We must rise, defend what is right, and ask God to intervene in the affairs of this nation,” he said.
The bishop also called on Christians in positions of authority to speak up and act, noting that silence in the face of injustice contributed to the nation’s challenges.
He urged priests to remain steadfast in their vocation, encouraging them to proclaim the Word of God without fear and to celebrate each Mass with renewed devotion.
He also emphasised the importance of evangelism and called on the faithful to support priests through prayers rather than criticism.
According to him, priests, like all humans, are not without flaws.
The highlight of the Holy Thursday celebration was the blessing of three sacred oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Chrism oil used in sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders throughout the year by Bishop CallistusOnaga.
