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Roman Catholic bishops in Nigeria have condemned the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo for failing to stamp out corruption, a promise he made at his inauguration in May 1999, news organizations reported on Sunday.
In a statement released at the end of their national conference, the bishops pointed to the continued high crime rate, fuel shortages as proof of the government’s other failings.
They also condemned the strict application of Sharia law in some northern states, describing the measure as “irresponsible and unacceptable”. Bauchi State will on 31 March join nine other northern states in implementing Sharia.
Application of Sharia is a highly emotive issue in Nigeria. Last year the proposed introduction of Islamic law in Kaduna State, equally divided between Christians and Muslims, led to fighting in which at least 1,000 died.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions