In a recent interview with Arise, Rev. Father Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, clarified that his criticism of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari was never personal. Father Kukah, who had been known for his vocal opposition to the Buhari government, explained that his primary concern was the former President’s handling of Nigeria’s diversity.
Father Kukah had been a fierce critic of the Buhari administration and delivered a scathing critique in his December 2022 Christmas Message, claiming that Buhari had made Nigeria more vulnerable and divided the nation further. In this message, he highlighted the deep divisions within the country, spanning various aspects such as wealth, gender, age, political affiliations, social classes, religion, and ethnicity.
Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, often engaged in verbal exchanges with Father Kukah. Adesina had, on occasion, accused the Bishop of being resentful towards Buhari for not patronizing him. However, Father Kukah stated that Adesina was simply doing his job and suggested that Adesina might consider relocating to Daura, where there is a branch of the Foursquare Church, where he serves as a Pastor.
When asked if he missed criticizing his friend, Buhari, Father Kukah responded by acknowledging Buhari’s completion of his term and clarified that his criticisms were never personal or disrespectful. He maintained that his concerns centered on Buhari’s approach to managing diversity.
Regarding the six months of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, Father Kukah noted that while it might be premature to assess a sitting President’s performance, many had expected Tinubu to swiftly initiate change after preparing for the presidency for over 20 years. However, he criticized the leadership selection process for being overly reliant on governors and external agencies, leading to inefficiencies.
Father Kukah emphasized the importance of holding those in power accountable, stating that elected officials must be prepared to face the consequences of their election. He stressed the need for transparent and responsible governance and the articulation of clear public policies for the benefit of the nation.
