The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Mr. Sunday Jackson, whose death sentence was recently reaffirmed by the Supreme Court.
On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, who was convicted of killing a Fulani herdsman, Ardo Bawuro, during a dispute on his farmland. Jackson, in his 30s, was originally sentenced to death by hanging on February 12, 2012, a ruling he insists was based on self-defense.
The bishops made their appeal in a communiqué released after their first plenary meeting in Abuja.
The document, signed by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment.
“The Catholic Church maintains that capital punishment is unacceptable,” the communiqué stated. “In the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope, we make a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant Mr. Sunday Jackson a pardon.”
Additionally, the bishops criticized the recent closure of schools in parts of the country, particularly in Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano, where authorities suspended academic activities during the Ramadan fast.
“We call on the authorities responsible for shutting down schools in certain areas to reverse their decision, considering children’s right to education and the country’s multi-religious nature,” the communiqué emphasized.
The CBCN also highlighted the importance of education, healthcare, and agriculture to national development, urging the government to create a conducive environment for these sectors to thrive.
Political, religious, and traditional leaders were encouraged to promote national unity, instill hope, and drive development.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in improving the petroleum sector, rehabilitating infrastructure, launching the student loan scheme, implementing a new minimum wage, and addressing the debt service-to-revenue ratio, the bishops pointed out that Nigeria continues to face severe socio-economic challenges.
“The cost of essential goods, especially food, remains high. Cases of kidnapping and the brutal killing of innocent people persist,” the communiqué noted.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the CBCN urged citizens to remain engaged in the democratic process despite past electoral disappointments.
“Although the 2023 elections were marred by setbacks, we encourage all eligible Nigerians to actively participate in upcoming elections,” they stated.
The bishops also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the judiciary to restore public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring transparency and fairness.
“Our people must not be silenced by fear or despair but should insist on justice and accountability,” they urged.
Furthermore, the bishops advocated for reforms in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, calling on the federal and state governments to ease overcrowding by granting parole to minor offenders with good behavior.
“We urge the government to uphold the fundamental rights of inmates, treat them with dignity, implement non-custodial measures where possible, expedite justice delivery, and improve correctional facilities,” the communiqué concluded.
The CBCN’s appeal underscores the church’s broader commitment to justice, human dignity, and systemic reforms aimed at strengthening national unity and development.
