Christmas: Kukah Urges Tinubu to Stop Killings
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, has charged President Bola Tinubu to find a way to put a permanent end to the killings of Nigerians by whatever means or name.
Kukah, in his Christmas message with the theme, “Time to Reclaim Nigeria’s Greatness,” and made available to our correspondent in Sokoto on Monday, said the President, having got what he always wished for as the President of the country, must use his wealth of experience to end the ugly instrumentalisation of religious, ethnic or regional identities.
He also spoke on the 2023 elections and their consequences on the nation so far and called on leaders on every front to, as a matter of urgency, find healing as soon as possible.
He explained that this is not an easy job for any nation, and there are no shortcuts to nation-building.
He, however, said the last few years did test the nation’s collective resolve to stay united.
He said, “Now, the government must devise strategies for achieving reconciliation, which has eluded us.
Our injuries are not invisible. Many national conferences have been held to chart a way forward. The trove of grievances and hopes is there, and all the government needs to do is to dust them up. No need to reinvent the wheel or attempt some new diagnosis.
Palliatives will not resolve Nigeria’s problems. The problems are deep and structural. Please do not be afraid to reset the template of power, regardless of the cultural or historical myths. We are tired of promises and stories. We want evidence we can see and touch.
Mr. President, the killings of Nigerians by whatever name must end and end now. These senseless killings, abductions, extortions, and kidnappings have to end, and the sacredness and sanctity of human life must be restored. Blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy. We are not in a theocracy.
Kukah also appealed to Nigerians to continue to have faith in the country and stay the course in hope. “God will do great things for our nation, but we each must renew our commitment towards self-examination and repentance.
