The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has expressed deep concern over the blatant abuse and desecration of the electoral processes in Nigeria. His remarks came during a homily at a Pontifical Mass marking his pastoral visit to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Owerri.
Archbishop Ugorji lamented that many individuals who find themselves in public office appear to disregard the electoral process, imposing their will—including manipulated election results—on the populace. He stated, “Bad governance begins with rigging the elections. Our nation is now faced with the culture of severe rigging in virtually all our elections,” emphasizing that this trend not only alienates citizens from their government but also tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation in the international arena.
He noted the disconcerting reality that state governments often dictate the outcomes of local government elections, disregarding the will of the people. He highlighted this issue in states like Anambra and Imo, where local government elections were allegedly manipulated.
Ugorji underscored the importance of respecting the sanctity of electoral processes, insisting that “people’s votes must count in all polling exercises.” He warned that failing to enable citizens to fulfill their civic duties could lead to further complications, damaging Nigeria’s already declining image. He stressed, “At present, we have a nation that hardly respects the principles of justice, equity, and fair play. These parameters must be respected if our country must move from its present sorry state to a better, brighter, safer, and economically vibrant future.”
Additionally, Archbishop Ugorji expressed disbelief at how Nigerians endure the current economic hardships. He remarked, “It remains a mystery that we are alive today in Nigeria. Those who could not take the economic battering have sadly died.” He highlighted the dire circumstances characterized by soaring inflation, high transportation costs, rampant kidnapping, and insecurity on the nation’s highways. He cautioned that if these issues persist, they may lead to unpredictable and potentially disastrous outcomes for the country.