Bishop Kukah and presidency exchange war of words after his Easter sermon focuses on insecurity

CATHOLIC bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Kukah and the presidency have been engaged in a bitter war of words over the last few days over his constant criticism of the federal government's security failures.

Bishop Kukah, who confirmed that he speaks directly with the president said that his criticism of the government is nothing personal but the zeal to see things get better in the country.  Of late, the cleric has been very critical of the government's failure to halt the activities of armed bandits and Fulani cattle herdsmen across northern Nigeria.

Irked with the constant attacks, presidential spokesman Mallam Garba Shehu asked the clergyman to consider joining partisan politics and see how far he can go. Mallam Shehu was reacting to Bishop Kukah’s Easter sermon on Sunday in which he knocked President Buhari’s regime over security challenges, corruption and disunity being witnessed in the country.

Quoting different biblical passages, the presidential spokesman faulted the bishop, saying  that from his pulpit, he devoted his Easter message not to Christ’s death and rebirth so man might be saved, but to damning the government in the most un-Christian terms. While accusing Bishop Kukah of neglecting the bible’s teachings, Mallam Shehu said Easter should be a time for renewal and for hope and not a time for religious leaders to play politics, or politicians to play religion.

Mallam Shehu said: “Nigeria knows too well Bishop Kukah’s views of the government. He has made quite clear how much he dislikes them from the day they were elected.

“Whether expressing his political views is good use or an abuse of religious office is for others to decide but the people of Nigeria have spoken twice and they supported this government at the ballot box. They have not been swayed by hateful talk from any bully-pulpit.

“We respectfully ask Bishop Kukah to leave government to the voters and the politicians they elect, while he concentrates on his job, as it is expressed in James 1:27. Or else, he should put away his clerical garb, join partisan politics and see how far he can go.”

However, Bishop Kukah, hit back at Mallam Shehu saying that even Aisha Buhari,  the president's wife agrees with what he said about her husband. Bishop Kukah said that he has nothing personal against the president but has an issue with  his policies which Aisha also disagrees with.

Bishop Kukah added: “All those saying I attacked the president, I have never attacked his person. All I have spoken about is his inability to manage diversities effectively and efficiently. I have studied diversity as a subject and I know what I am talking about.

“Those who think these things are personal would see that I have never talked about his person or character. I believe he is a gentleman but as far as being the president is concerned, he has done a bad job, even his wife has also disagreed with his policies."