- INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP HASSAIN KUKAH, THE CATHOLIC BISHOP OF DIOCESE OF SOKOTO
ANGEL NETWORK NEWS: Nigeria currently is at a crossroad especially in terms of security. What specifically is the genesis of the present crisis?
BISHOP KUKAH: The situation we have found ourselves in has a long history and it is as old as the history of our country. These things have been in gestation for a long time beginning with how the country came to be what it is today. Successive governments at the highest levels have not done enough to integrate our people. This could have been done through education, infrastructure, a proper reading of history and also a deliberate effort to unite us. This did not happen and as such, we gradually kept growing apart, had a civil war and not much was done to create a united country. Northern Nigeria has always tried to focus on Islam as opposed to the national Constitution and so on.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: Do you think President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration has in anyway, by omission or commission contributed to worsening Nigeria’s problem?
BISHOP KUKAH: I think the President did not take advantage of the opportunity that was offered by the spread of the votes that he received. After elections, a winner becomes a President or Governor for everyone including those who did not vote for him or her. President Buhari failed to unite the country and focused too much on creating opportunities for his kinsmen and women, consolidating northern Islam and so on. He soon lost public appreciation and perhaps his health did not change, but clearly, as the Commander in Chief, he has not asserted his control over the insecurity in the country. He had made many noble claims during his campaigns, but he did not live up to these promises.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: 2023, is being described by many as the year that would make or mar Nigeria. How significant, is the year and what are the stakes?
BISHOP KUKAH: We have had this over and over at almost every election. So, let us focus on getting our votes to count and try to be vigilant. It is important that every voter votes to stay alive
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: The Church has a history of helping nations pull out of their rubbles. Is there anything the Church is doing concerning the current challenges facing in the Nigeria?
BISHOP KUKAH: Yes, the Church does this and has often done it. However, the Church can only respond if the government feels that the church has a role in a given conflict situation. You can only be pulled out of the rubble if there is call for help. However, wherever she exists, it is difficult to see any institution that has done what the Catholic church has done in terms of, as you say, pulling nations or, I think we should say, communities out of their rubble. Even the United Nations as you know, is doing its best, but it all depends on what those in charge of a given situation ask for.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: Christians are often accused of not taking Nigerian elections serious. Can you educate us on the causes of Christian voters’ apathy Nigeria and ways of dealing with the problem?
BISHOP KUKAH: Voter apathy is not peculiar to Nigeria. It is a measure of the dissatisfaction of people across the world with Democracy and its failures. However, for our country Nigeria, you are right, Catholics have been laid back and a bit lackadaisical in dealing with the issues of politics. This is due to the wrong notion that politics if for crooks, it is dirty and only those who are crooked can manage. This is wrong.
Politics is both a civic and even a divine obligation. It is about resource management and to that extent, the more the good people get in the better for that society. However, the Catholics are picking up but it is important to know that very often, people focus on voting as communities and so on. But as you can see, people are picking up, our Justice Peace and Development Commissions are doing a very good job across the country.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: The Catholic leadership throughout its history in Nigeria has never endorsed any presidential candidate. Considering what has happened in the past years, especially the persecution of Christians, do you think it is now time for the Church to reverse this policy?
BISHOP KUKAH: No, the policy cannot be reversed at least for us as Catholics. As you know, for us Catholics, our stand is very clear. We are for everyone and we have performed very well in this regard. There is no magic solution to our problem and they will be resolved by good men and good women and not which religion they profess. Catholics are in power at different levels and you know that not everyone who says, Catholic, Catholic has been the best!
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: The Catholic Church has a large population in Nigeria. In fact, it is the most populous Christian denomination in the country. In what specific ways can the Church ensure that the best candidate emerges in the coming presidential election?
BISHOP KUKAH: Despite the population, note that even within families, there will always be differences. All Catholics cannot and will not vote for one candidate. It depends on how any candidate has campaigned. It is not possible for the Catholic Church to adopt a candidate but there is no doubt that a good Catholic will naturally attract Catholic votes. However, we are a multi ethnic nation and naturally you will find that in some instances, people will vote for a Protestant from their village or ethnic group rather than a fellow Church person who is far away from them. But on the whole, you are right, with proper education, we should use our population well, not to just vote for our Catholics but to vote for good people and by using our numbers well.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: The major and the minor parties in the country have thrown up and are marketing their candidates for the presidential election. Will you share with us who you are supporting and why?
BISHOP KUKAH: Why will I share this with you? These choices are private and personal to all individuals. The candidates across board are entitled to try to persuade us all to vote for them. It is left for us to be honest with ourselves and we do this by assessing the credibility of the candidates. Of course there are many factors that could blur our vision, ethnic, religious or ideological affiliations with particular candidates, their charisma, appeal or track record. You have the chance to choose between what is fake and what is real, but these are human initiatives but as Shakespeare said: there is no act to find the mind’s construction in the face. So we will make mistakes but it is important to listen, share views with others and finally decide. The final decision is yours and you have to live with the outcome too.
ANGELS NETWORK NEWS: What have you to say concerning APC’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket?
BISHOP KUKAH: It does not matter what I feel or think. The APC has made its choice. I have said it elsewhere. The coach chooses his or her team as they see fit. They have no reason to consult me. My only right is to decide if I want what I see, but I was not there when they were making their choices, my views were not sought, so, as they say at the motor park; wetinconcern agbero with overload?
BISHOP KUKAH: Share your expectations and worries about 2023 with Nigerians and your advice for them.
HIS LORDSHIP: We all have our fears and expectations. However, politicians are not magicians and we have the duty to weigh the realities against the promises they make to turn things around. My advice is not to the politicians, but to us the voters. Sometimes, we tend to cry more than the bereaved. Never get carried away with the so-called fights and quarrels of politicians, they are often like husband and wife, you will not be there when they finally sort out their problems. Be concerned about yourself, place a higher value on yourself. Too often, we are expecting politicians to do things for us. It is not like that. All of us have an opportunity to make our contributions in our various fields. So, go out and vote and vote to stay alive not to die or getwounded for someone else.
