TheCable

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has kicked against the “indiscreet” distribution of condoms and contraceptive pills in schools.

It also says some provisions of the gender and equal opportunities bill are capable of legalising anti-human  and anti-family activities.

In a communiqué issued on Friday at the end of CBCN 2018 first plenary session in Abuja, the bishops faulted some of the provisions in the bill, which is currently pending at the national assembly.

The bill is sponsored by Biodun Olujimi, senator representing Ekiti south.

Although some lawmakers have argued that the provisions are contrary to some of Nigeria’s traditional and religious practices, Olujimi said it will “promote equality, development and advancement of all persons, especially young women and girl children.”

“Whereas we acknowledge some legitimate rights due to women and the need to promote them, we, nevertheless, condemn the provisions of the gender and equal opportunities bill, which could provide an avenue for the legalisation of many anti-human life and anti-family activities,” the communiqué, signed by Ignatius Kaigama, CBCN president, read.

“We therefore demand that such provisions be expunged from the bill.”

CBCN also kicked against the indiscreet distribution of condoms and contraceptive pills in schools, youth service orientation camps and health institutions.

The body advised young people to “resist any attempt to lure them into idolising sexual pleasure, using contraceptives, procuring abortion, abusing drugs, and other such vices.

“Parents have the primary responsibility of educating and supporting their children in this regard.”

On the underage voting discovered to have taken place in Kano state during the 2015 general elections, the bishops said it is unfortunate that young people “allow themselves to be used as canon fodders in electoral malpractices.

“Government and especially Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) should address these serious lapses with utmost urgency and without discrimination and bias.”