[News] Those who threatened Bishop Kukah must be arrested – Southern Kaduna Union



The Southern Kaduna Union (SOKAPU) has called for the arrest of those who threatened Mathew Kukah, bishop of Sokoto Catholic diocese.

 

Jonathan Asake, SOKAPU’s national president who spoke at a conference in Kaduna on Monday January 18, alleged that while the southerners get harassed when they criticise Buhari’s government, no one raises an eyebrow when the criticism comes from “the core north”.

 

Asake insisted that Bishop Kukah’s Christmas message is not different from that of Sultan of Sokoto and some other prominent people from the northern region of the country.

 

He averred that no one has the monopoly of violence and further added that the controversy that trailed the Catholic Bishop’s message, has shown the discriminatory nature of the Buhari-led administration.

 

He said;

 

“It appears to us, therefore, that comments by Nigerians attract different reactions from the government, depending on the region, ethnicity, and religion of the person making such comments.

“It’s sad to note that when persons of core Northern extraction criticize the government; they are taken as kind words, but when the same statements are made by people of Southern or Middle Belt extractions; they are harassed and tormented and their comments branded as treasonable by the government.

“This discriminatory posture of government clearly shows that the Buhari-led administration treats Nigerian citizens differently; some as first-class and others considered as second class.

“When the respected Bishop Kukah criticised the government in his Christmas homily, all hell broke loose from Northern elements who have consistently exhibited intolerance since the assumption of Buhari as the President.

“Sadly so, his glaring nepotism, chauvinism, and bigotry in his governance style seem to lend credence to this perception.

“All that Bishop Kukah is accused of saying against this government had been said by some other people in a more critical manner but never attracted a barrage of condemnation and threats.

“We note that the Sultan of Sokoto, prominent emirs, and the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) had condemned President Buhari over his dismal performance in tackling insecurity in the country, with NEF calling on him to resign.

“The anger and threats that are being issued against the revered Bishop were never served on the Sultan, emirs, and the NEF which clearly shows the discriminatory posture of this government.

“Those who have threatened Bishop Kukah ought to be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.”



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