"Why There’s No Beef Between Christians, Muslims in Nigeria", Kukah Explains
- Highly revered clergyman Bishop Matthew Kukah has opened up on the relationship between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria
- He stated that the relationship is still cordial as it use to be from the onset but with one major hindrance
- Bishop Kukah described some irresponsible political leaders as the hindrance causing confusion between both religions
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah has played down talks that the Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria are at loggerheads, as presumed by some sections of the society.
According to the Punch newspaper, Bishop Kukah, during an interview with TVC news on Monday, September 5 stated that there’s no rift or problem between both religions.
Source: Facebook
Bishop Kukah, as gathered by Legit.ng accused the political leaders of Nigeria as the major problem stating that the country has continued to breed irresponsible leaders who use religion to manipulate the Nigerian people.
He said:
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“There is no problem between Christians and Muslims. There is a problem between irresponsible leaders who don’t want to govern properly; irresponsible Christian religious leaders who have now seen religion as a tool of oppression instead of a tool for liberation.
“This has been the thrust of my argument because these are two areas of study. With all sense of modesty, I have spent a good part of my life studying theology and studying religion and society.”
We must promote rule of law over religion, ethnicity - Kukah
Bishop Kukah also noted that Nigeria has failed in a structure that will aid good governance and an enabling environment for citizens to function adequately in society.
He stated that leadership requires the basic interest of the people to be a top priority rather than one’s selfish interest.
Bishop Kukah further stressed the need for Nigeria to be a country that respects and promotes the rule of law over religious or ethnic sentiments.
He said the role of religion in society should be properly outlined to avoid misconceptions and confusion amongst the Nigerian people.
The clergyman said:
“The constitution guarantees us freedom of religion and freedom to decide what we don’t want. Religion is an association. I’m free to opt out of an association.
“But if we have these unresolved issues as to the boundaries of the power of the state, how much can be appropriated in the name of religion, then you’re going to have the chaos that we have. And this is why we’ve not been able; we’ve refused to scientifically define and address the role of religion.”
2023: "Who Nigerians should vote for" - Kukah
Meanwhile, Bishop Kukah has advised Nigerians on what to consider in electing the country's next president.
The Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese Nigerians should move away from voting based on ethnic, religious, or political sentiments.
Bishop Kukah said Nigerians should rather vote for someone who has the capacity to address the crucial challenges facing the country.
Source: Legit.ng
