They insist on the prompt implementation of a white paper on the management of oil subsidy. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the convener of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Tunde Bakare, have called for the urgent implementation of the recommendations of a recent investigation into the management of Nigeria’s oil subsidy over the years.

According to the Nigerian Guardian newspaper, the bishops in a statement released over the weekend in the capital, Abuja, expressed disappointment that the country had lost many lives and precious time that could have brought about more development. They however expressed hope that those found to have unlawfully enriched themselves through the country’s oil wealth will be made to face the law.

The Catholic bishops expressed worry that 2012 began with the removal of fuel subsidy, followed by eight days of protests that shut down the economy, resulting in the loss of life and billions of naira. They were however optimistic that the investigation into the petroleum sector would lead to a more judicious use of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Sunday March 4, 2012, Pastor Tunde Bakare, a former vice presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) party, called for the prosecution of all those involved in the N2.4 trillion (about FCFA 7,528 billion) subsidy scandal, irrespective of their positions in the society.

He warned that if the probe’s recommendations were not properly implemented, it could portend great danger to the economy. Both groups called on Islamic leaders to explore ways of checking the activities of Boko Haram, maintaining that it was not enough to denounce the activities of the group.

In a related development, Boko Haram leader, Mallam Abubakar Shekau who fled Nigeria some months back, was said to have narrowly escaped arrest last week in the northern city of Kano. According to the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, the sect’s most wanted man was said to have sneaked into Kano to hold some strategic meetings, apparently in view of more attacks. He was reportedly in the company of his last wife, Afsat, who was arrested.

Security sources said following the near arrest of their leader, sect members launched reprisal bomb attacks on schools in northern Nigeria. Meanwhile, two top politicians are said to have come under scrutiny for alleged financial links with Boko Haram.