The Presidency on Wednesday kicked against the quit notice given to the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah by a group based in Sokoto, “Muslim Solidarity Forum.”
In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said under the laws of the country, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches.
Shehu further said that where perceived breaches occurred, it was the courts of law that should adjudicate and unilateral action was not the way to go.
“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,” Shehu said.
He also added that Father Kukah had 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.
According to Shehu, on matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint.
He said knee-jerk reactions would 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.
Shehu said the Sultanate had historically had good relations with followers of all faiths and that was 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,” he said.
Shehu 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. (theconclaveng)
