The Presidency has condemned Sokoto-based Muslim Solidarity Forum (MSF) for calling on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah, to tender an unreserved apology to Muslims, or quietly and quickly leave the state, over his controversial Christmas message on the true state of the nation.
Mr. Shehu in a statement on Wednesday evening defended Bishop Kukah’s right to air his opinion even though it is ‘insensitive.’
According to Shehu, under Nigeria’s 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 inhibition.
He noted that while BishopKukah’s remarks against the government and President Buhari could have been anti- Muslim rhetoric, the Muslim Solidarity Forum would have to let it go, and uphold the country’s multi-religious history.
“The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Fr. 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,” he added, urging groups like MSF to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The right for all religions to coexist 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,” Mr. Shehu asserted in his statement.
Bishop Kukah had in his Christmas homily accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism, noting that there could have been a coup in the country if a non-northern president had done a fraction of what the current administration has.
The Catholic bishop was asked to apologize to the Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state.
