The presidency has condemned the “ultimatum” issued by the Muslim Solidary Forum to Matthew Kukah, bishop of Sokoto Catholic diocese, that he should apologise or leave the state over his “malicious comments” against Muslims.
Kukah, in his Christmas message, had accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism.
The bishop’s statement had sparked angry reactions from several Muslim groups, including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), as they noted that his message was a “calculated attempt to insult Islam”.
On Wednesday, the Muslim Solidarity Forum also asked Kukah to apologise for his alleged attack on Islam or leave the Caliphate.
But Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, in a statement on Wednesday, said the forum’s ultimatum was wrong, noting that every citizen has the right to reside in any part of the country and move freely.
He, however, said as a good citizen, one must respect the rights and sensitivities of fellow Nigerians, adding that Kukah has “greatly offended many” with his controversial remarks against Buhari.
“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,” Shehu said.
“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.”
Shehu urged the Muslim group to embrace peaceful coexistence with people of other religions, and urged the Catholic bishop to respect the feelings of other Nigerians when making comments on the state of the nation.
“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,” he said.
“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.” (The Cable)
