7 things Catholic bishops told president during courtesy visit

Copies of their address were distributed to journalists afterward.

The statement to Buhari was signed by CBCN President and Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama; and Most Rev. William Avenya who is CBCN secretary and the Bishop of Gboko.

Here are seven take-aways from what they said:

1. Bishops tell president that his goodwill is disappearing

President Buhari had plenty of goodwill pouring his way when he took over the reins of leadership from Goodluck Jonathan.

The Bishops told the President that that goodwill is fast eroding.

"There is no doubt that when you came into office, you had an enormous amount of the goodwill of Nigerians, since many saw you as a person of integrity who would be able to bring sanity into a system that was nearly crippled by endemic corruption.

"Nearly three years later, however, one has the feeling that this goodwill is being fast depleted by some glaring failures of government which we have the moral responsibility to bring to your notice, else we would be failing in our duty as spiritual fathers and leaders", the Bishops said.

2. Bishops say there's too much suffering in the land

Their words were: "There is too much suffering in the country: poverty, hunger, insecurity, violence, fear… the list is endless. Our beloved country appears to be under siege. Many negative forces seem to be keeping a stranglehold on the population, especially the weaker and defenceless ones."

3. There is a feeling of hopelessness across the land, Bishops says

The Bishops cited youths taking to drugs, violent crimes and cultism as pointers to the dread swimming across Nigeria.

"There is a feeling of hopelessness across the country. Our youths are restive and many of them have taken to hard drugs, cultism and other forms of violent crime, while many have become victims of human trafficking. The Nation is nervous", the Bishops declared.

4. Bishops say killer herdsmen are actually terrorists

According to the clergymen, herdsmen who have been terrorizing and murdering Nigerians should be treated as terrorists.

Here's how they put it: "…violent attacks by unscrupulous persons, among whom are terrorists masquerading as herdsmen, have led to a near civil war situation in many parts of the country.

"We are saddened that, repeatedly, innocent citizens in different communities across the nation are brutally attacked and their sources of livelihood mindlessly destroyed.

"Lives are wasted and property worth billions of Naira, including places of worship schools, hospitals and business enterprises are torched and turned to ashes."

5. No to cattle colonies, Bishops say

The idea of cattle colonies remains unpopular outside the core north and the Bishops have added their own voice to the raging debate.

"We would like to add our voice to those of other well-meaning Nigerians who insist that a better alternative to open grazing should be sought rather than introducing 'cattle colonies' in the country.

"While thinking of how best to help cattle owners establish ranches, government should equally have plans to help the other farmers whose produce is essential for our survival as a nation", they said.

6. Bishops say federal character principle is being flouted by Buhari

Buhari has often been accused of nepotism and clannishness.

The Bishops feel the president is flouting the federal character principle.

"Disregard for this principle in some federal government appointments as well as perceptible imbalance in the distribution of federal amenities has created the loss of a sense of belonging in many parts of the country, hence the constant cries of marginalization, agitation for secession and calls for restructuring", they said.

7. The Bishops say they'll keep talking and bringing these concerns before Buhari

"As the voice of the voiceless, we shall continue to highlight the plight of our people and play our prophetic role of sensitizing the government, thus promoting good governance, national unity and cohesion.

"We strongly feel that everybody in government at this moment has to take more decisive steps to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people in our governments."