Bishop Kukah Laughs Off Coup’s Call

• Says problem is Buhari’s leadership style

BY EDMOND ODOK – With mixed feelings still trailing his Christmas message on the polity, Bold speaking Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah has laughed off insinuations he is calling for a coup against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Clergy is insisting his message was sadly misconstrued because he has no problem with Mr President but only with the unusual leadership style.

In the last one week, Bishop Kukah has come under biting attacks for his comments about the Buhari’s Presidency, with some groups and individuals accusing him of instigating the public against the President and inadvertently seeking his removal through undemocratic means.

However, stoutly defending his much-criticised Christmas message, the Catholic Bishop said; “Whatever I said can please or displease anyone, but that is my own opinion and doesn’t stop others from saying their own opinion. If you think my motive is wrong, say yours.”

According to him, it is regrettable that a section of the media painted a wrong picture of his position, adding; “It is unfair for a journalist or news medium to report that I called for a coup while expressing my personal views about Nigeria.

“I have no iota of grudge with President Muhammadu Buhari, but what I strictly and categorically said was that using religion as a tool for playing politics is unacceptable and would not be accepted.”

Clarifying that his comments were not intended to cause any disaffection, the dependable cleric said; “My message was an opinion and for the love of the country.

“I am a Northerner, born and brought up in Barnawa village, a suburb of Kaduna and I hold no grudges against any northerner, be it Muslim or Christian.”

Further reacting to the reproaches, the Catholic Priest said: “The reactions are a reflection of every citizen that makes up the country. I am someone who doesn’t take offence in what others say about me.

“What I said was my opinion based on evidence and happenings in the country and if you look into the records, there is evidence that justifies that statement, and if anyone thinks I am wrong, they should come out with a superior position.”

Bishop Kukah said no one can pretend to be happy with the senseless loss of lives and property due to rising insecurity in the country, adding: “I am pained and sad that my critics fail to see that.

“The loss of lives in the last 10 years and even before the advent of the current government calls for concern.”

Insisting that every Nigerian must hope for a better country where justice, peace and fairness will prevail, the Bishop denied having partisan interest in politics, saying; “There is no Catholic Priest available for party politics in Nigeria.”

For those requesting him to drop his cassock and join the political fray, Bishop Kukah it would have been quite pleasing to do so had he lived during the time of late Aminu Kano.

“I have no plan and will never play partisan politics for any reason. Those who link my message to partisan politics are only playing to the gallery.

“Take, for instance, brilliant Nigerian youths making comments about Chelsea or Arsenal and have never been to England. Does that make them players of such club sides?

“So, why will someone think because Bishop Kukah is speaking, therefore, he is a politician?

“People who make this argument are ignorant of elementary politics and ignorant of the role of a Priest”, he said

In defending his comments as the truth Nigerians deserve to hear in the overall interest of the country, Bishop Kukah said; “The truth is that a lot of us have not seen a priest saying what I am saying. The truth of the matter is, we are all in politics, but party politics for me, no.

“I am not a member of any political party and I cannot be. If it comes to voting, I exercise my right,” the Clergy maintained.