The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigeria’s political leaders to demonstrate greater empathy towards citizens, lamenting what he described as a growing disconnect between leadership and the suffering of the people.
He made this appeal during the 2026 Wuse Denary Cathedraticum held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on April 3, 2026.
In his homily, Archbishop Kaigama reflected on Psalm 17, quoting, “In my anguish, I called on the Lord and He heard my voice,” as he encouraged the faithful to deepen their trust in God through prayer. He emphasized that prayer remains a powerful means of engaging God in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
“Let us not lose hope or rely solely on human institutions,” he said. “We must speak to God about our challenges and ask Him to touch the hearts of our leaders, so they may place the interests of the people above all else.”
The Archbishop expressed concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, noting that electoral processes are increasingly losing credibility. “We are no longer sure whether what we witness are elections, selections, or mere appointments,” he remarked.
He further decried the widespread hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly among vulnerable populations. Recounting his visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, he described the harsh living conditions and deep poverty endured by many.
“When we speak about these realities, it is often misinterpreted as criticism of Government or political alignment,” he said. “This erosion of objective discourse is dangerous. A society where truth is suppressed and dissent is punished cannot thrive.”
Archbishop Kaigama also cautioned against intimidation and the misuse of power to silence critics, urging leaders to uphold justice, fairness, and accountability.
Addressing priests, he charged them to remain steadfast in their prophetic mission. “It is our duty to speak the truth and preach against injustice, no matter the cost,” he said.
The Cathedraticum celebration concluded with presentation of gifts to the Archbishop by parishes within the Wuse Denary, marking a fitting close to the annual gathering.
Photographs of the event were taken by Kelvin Odo of the Parish Communication Committee.