From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Nigeria’s Muslim Muslim or Christian Christian tickets have always held the country hostage under the illusion of religious differences.
A renowned Christian cleric based in Sokoto, the heart of Caliphate of the nation, Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese has disclosed yesterday.
The Bishop cautioned the people of the nation, especially the politicians to depose selves and avoid focusing on politics of religious, regional sentiments and related aspects which he said could trigger gross disunity.
Accordingly, Kukah, who also observed that the nation’s politicians, had over time jumped to the conclusion that justice simply meant having joint ticket of Christian and Muslim contestants, insisted that it was not healthy for its unity and peaceful coexistence for harmony.
“We can see that our country is being held hostage under the illusion that Muslim is here, Christian is here,” said he. While reflecting on the trend of citizens’ conduct and interests as it mattered, Kukah noted that: “When it comes to the distribution of contracts or proceeds of corruption, there are no Christians and there are no Muslims.”
The Catholic Bishop admonished followers of political personalities to not only support politicians of their choices but be wise, adding that: “I have always said to people that I cannot and will never make religion an issue in my life time.”
The Southern Kaduna born Bishop further hinted on his relationship with God and closeness to Muslim friends. He said Almighty God noted that most of the greatest things that happen to him come from the hand of people whom he considers as Muslims but good friends.
“But, some people think you have to over compensate and over prove your loyalty to a certain groups to achieve something,” said the Bishop.
Talking about the 2022 budget of the nation, the Sokoto Diocese Catholic Bishop has said he is not in doubt that with the signing of the 2022 appropriation bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, the nation is on the path of solutions to its debt problems. Bishop Kukah, who recently marked his birthday, expressed the hope that soon the country would be out of the problems. Kukah, who made the remark at the St.
Bakhita Catholic Church, Sokoto, yesterday while in a chat with journalists in the state to mark the end of the year 2021 said: “We’ve heard that the President will sign the budget very soon.
We hope it will herald a new beginning for a better life for all of us.” He added: “We also pray that better things will come our way as the National Assembly will very soon perfect the Electoral Act process so that the President can assent to it and by the grace of God, we would soon start our long journey to a democracy that promises smooth process for us and those we will vote for and are qualified to be in power.” The Bishop noted with passion as he described the forthcoming events as an important part of the nation’s history as a nation.
