The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Mr. Sunday Jackson, a farmer sentenced to death for killing a Fulani herdsman. The Supreme Court recently upheld Jackson’s death sentence, sparking concerns about the use of capital punishment in Nigeria.
According to the CBCN, the Catholic Church opposes capital punishment, and the bishops are urging President Tinubu to consider Jackson’s case in light of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The bishops emphasized that Jackson’s actions were in self-defense, and they believe that he does not deserve to die for his actions.
The CBCN’s appeal is not only about Jackson’s case but also about the broader issue of capital punishment in Nigeria. The bishops are calling for an end to the use of capital punishment, citing its unacceptable nature. They are urging the government to consider alternative forms of punishment that prioritize rehabilitation and restorative justice.
In addition to their appeal for clemency, the CBCN is also criticizing the recent closure of schools in some parts of the country. The bishops are urging the government to withdraw its orders and ensure that children have access to education, regardless of their religious background.
The CBCN is emphasizing the importance of education, healthcare, and agriculture in national development. They are calling on the government to create an enabling environment that supports these initiatives and promotes national integration.
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As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the CBCN is encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process. The bishops are urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the judiciary to uphold transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The CBCN is also appealing for urgent reforms in the nation’s correctional facilities. The bishops are urging the government to decongest overcrowded custodial centers and grant parole to well-behaved minor offenders.
In a broader push for justice and human dignity, the CBCN is calling for systemic reforms that promote national unity and development. The bishops are emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental rights and treating inmates with dignity.
