President Buhari and Bishop Kukah at the Presidential Villa
The Presidency has risen in defense of the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah after accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism.
Recall that Mr Kukah, while delivering his Christmas message in Sokoto, had alleged that Mr Buhari’s acts of nepotism could have led to a coup if he was a non-northern Muslim, triggering many pro-government groups to tag the statement as a felony against the Nigeria state.
Condemning Mr Kukah, a Sokoto-based Islamic group, Muslim Solidarity Forum, had described the cleric’s comments as anti-Islamic, demanding an unreserved apology from the cleric or he should leave the state.
However, a presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Wednesday, described the group’s call as unconstitutional.
According to Mr Shehu, “every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions.”
He said: “The reported ultimatum by a group based in Sokoto, “Muslim Solidarity Forum,” calling on the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah to tender an unreserved apology to the entire Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state, is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Under our Constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions. Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.
“The right for all religions to co-exist is enshrined in this country’s Constitution. The duty of the government, more so, this democratic government, is to ensure that the Constitution is respected. But all must respect the rights and sensitivities of their fellow Nigerians.
“Father Kukah has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the President, with some even accusing him of voicing anti-Islamic rhetoric.
“On matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint. Knee-jerk reactions will not only cause the fraying of enduring relationships, but also the evisceration of peaceful communities such as Sokoto, the headquarters of the Muslim community as beacon of pluralism and tolerance.
“The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.
“Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate. Unilateral action is not the way to go.
“Groups such as the Muslim Solidarity Forum must be seen to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles. And individuals like Father Kukah must respect the feelings of his fellow Nigerians in his private and public utterances.”
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