President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the Muslim Solidarity Forum to desist from threatening the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, with eviction from Sokoto State over his last Christmas message to Nigerians which was critical of the President.
The cleric had accused the President of crass nepotism, to such an extent that could have elicited a coup if it had been done by any other leader from the another part of the country or non-Islamic religion.
However, Buhari condemned the Forum’s ultimatum to the prominent Christian cleric as uncalled for and unconstitutional.
A statement issued on Wednesday by one of the President’s spokespersons, Garba Shehu, noted that while Kukah would have offended many with his criticisms, knee-jerk reactions were unhelpful, and there was need for everyone to respect the sensitivities of all Nigerians and the laws of the land.
According to Shehu: “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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