The Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Most Rev. John Ayah, has urged politicians to invest in the future of the youth rather than use them as political thugs during elections.
Ayah made the call at the opening of
the 148th National Executive Council Meeting of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), on Saturday at Awka.
The programme had the theme 'Upholding our Catholic Faith in a Turbulent Society: Issues and Concerns'.
He said there would be safety and security if politicians stop using youths as thugs to play dangerous politics.
"We are all worried about 2023 elections because politicians engage our youths as political thugs, using them to do horrible things.
"These youths are the ones who end up becoming kidnappers and they engage in criminality in the country because when they finish these jobs for the politicians, these politicians do not settle them.
"The politicians do not send them to school or to learn a trade; and they are just discharged without any empowerment.
" The guns and other arms they had during the political era, they use it to terrorise the people in the society and criminality increases.
"The sad fact is that the children of these politicians are not even in the country. They are living comfortably in America and Europe.
"The cycle is that the children of the politicians will come back and be put in big positions of authority while the children of the used thugs will also follow the path of their fathers. Where is the hope of Nigeria?" he asked.
The cleric urged politicians to invest in education and provision of jobs for the people rather than share or splash money around.
He called on Christian faithful to intensify prayers for a peaceful 2023 elections, restoration of peace and security in the country.
"We will continue to pray and commend our country to God because only God has the best solution.
"Nigeria is a gift from God which is why we are blessed with intelligent people, natural resources, human resources. So, we should stop running away and find solution to the problems of our country.
"God cannot forsake or abandon us, he will deliver Nigeria from the numerous challenges," he said.
Also speaking, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, called on Nigerians, especially Christians to dedicate themselves to God and service to humanity.
In his address, Mr Henry Yunkwap, National President, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, said the meeting was to discuss problems affecting the society and proffer solutions to move the Church and the nation forward.