Former Governor of Kano State and vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has commended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for what he described as their courage, patriotism and commitment to national development by drawing attention to the difficult realities confronting Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the bishops performed a vital national duty by speaking openly about the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, declining public confidence in governance and the hardship faced by millions of citizens across the country.
According to him, the concerns raised by the bishops should not be interpreted through partisan lenses because they reflect the everyday experiences of ordinary Nigerians in every region of the federation.
“I commend the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria for demonstrating courage and patriotism by drawing attention to the realities confronting our nation,” Kwankwaso said.
“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.”
The former presidential candidate observed that despite Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources, many citizens continue to struggle with severe economic difficulties, unemployment, insecurity and limited access to essential social services.
He lamented that a large number of Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, education and transportation.
Kwankwaso said the persistence of these challenges underscores the urgent need for sincere, compassionate and people-oriented leadership at all levels of government.
“Nigeria is richly blessed with enormous human and natural resources, yet millions of our people continue to bear the heavy burden of economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate access to quality education and healthcare, and shrinking opportunities,” he stated.
“These are not abstract statistics; they are painful realities affecting families, communities and businesses across the country.”
The former governor stressed that the responsibility of leadership is to improve the welfare of citizens through policies that create opportunities, expand access to social services and guarantee security.
He urged those entrusted with public office to place the interests of the people above political considerations and to respond urgently to the growing suffering across the country.
Kwankwaso also encouraged Nigerians, religious leaders, traditional institutions, professional groups and civil society organisations to continue engaging government constructively whenever opportunities arise.
According to him, democratic governance thrives when citizens participate actively in public discourse and hold leaders accountable through peaceful and lawful means.
“I encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to continue engaging constructively with the Federal Government and with leaders at every level,” he said.
“We must continue to advocate for good governance, accountability, transparency and policies that prioritise the security, welfare and prosperity of our people.”
He emphasised that criticism offered in good faith should be welcomed as a contribution to national progress rather than treated as hostility.
The former governor argued that constructive engagement between government and stakeholders can help strengthen institutions, improve public trust and deepen democracy.
Kwankwaso further stated that Nigeria’s current challenges require collective commitment and a shared sense of national responsibility.
According to him, no government acting alone can overcome the country’s difficulties without the cooperation of citizens, institutions and leaders across political and religious divides.
“It is through collective commitment, responsible leadership and sincere engagement that we can build a more peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite present difficulties, insisting that the country still possesses the capacity to overcome its challenges through honest leadership, hard work and national unity.
Kwankwaso also called for renewed investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, job creation and security, saying these sectors remain critical to sustainable national development.
He maintained that restoring public confidence in government requires visible improvements in the lives of citizens and stronger protection of democratic institutions.
The former governor concluded his statement with prayers for peace, stability and progress in Nigeria.
“May Almighty Allah continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders aright, protect our people and grant our nation peace, justice and prosperity,” he said.
Kwankwaso’s remarks add to the growing national conversation on economic hardship, insecurity and governance following the recent engagement between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The bishops had urged the Federal Government to take more decisive steps to address worsening living conditions and strengthen democratic institutions across the country.
