Enugu Catholic Diocese Launches Initiative to Hold Public Officials Accountable

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has launched the Church for Community Care and Good Governance (CCGG), an initiative aimed at promoting responsible leadership, civic engagement and accountability in public office.

The initiative was established by the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) and formally launched on Sunday to encourage citizens to participate actively in governance and seek improved representation from elected officials.

Speaking at the launch, the project lead, Rev. Fr. Longinus Ugonwa, said the initiative was designed to connect the Church’s mission with the everyday concerns of citizens, including education, healthcare, roads, security, employment, youth development and responsible leadership.

Ugonwa stressed that CCGG was neither a political party nor a platform for promoting or attacking political personalities. Rather, it would focus on truth, responsible citizenship and the common good.

He explained that the initiative would equip citizens to understand public issues, ask informed questions, assess available evidence and make responsible decisions without dictating what they should think.

He added that constructive engagement between citizens and political leaders was essential to effective governance, noting that public institutions functioned better when people were informed and leaders remained open to dialogue.

To achieve its objectives, CCGG plans to use podcasts, radio programmes, interviews, documentaries, social media and community engagement to examine public concerns, recognise progress and encourage practical solutions to challenges affecting communities.

The initiative will also provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, develop leadership skills and participate in community development.

The launch took place at St Theresa Catholic Church, Abakpa, Enugu, alongside a community and civic festival featuring empowerment activities, rice distribution and networking opportunities.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, welcomed the initiative and expressed support for cooperation between religious institutions and government in advancing community welfare.

The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved-Dan Anike, also expressed readiness to partner with the initiative, acknowledging the Church’s contribution to community development.

Ugonwa urged the media to support CCGG by promoting constructive discussions on governance and development, while encouraging citizens to participate meaningfully in public affairs.

The initiative is expected to provide a platform for sustained dialogue between communities and public officials, with the broader objective of strengthening accountability, civic responsibility and inclusive development in Enugu State.