Nigeria, Feb. 27 -- My column today simply outlines the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria for governance to be based on the search for the common good. This was articulated in a communique issued this week following their annual conference. They pointed out that the season of Lent this year coincides with the Ramadan, the Muslim period of fasting. They considered this not as a mere coincidence but God's invitation to work and live together in harmony and mutual respect, as Nigerians use the opportunity to intensify their prayer lives, works of charity, refrain from sin, and repent, all contributing to good neighbourliness and a better society.

They argued that the Church has always taught that the good of individuals is ...