Kenneth Afor
Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, has expressed worries over the spate of insecurity under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Bishop on Sunday in his 2021 Easter message entitled: ‘Before Our Glory Departs’, said that the country’s troubles are growing by the day due to the uncontrollable boldness of the Boko Haram insurgents in the country.
The cleric recalled that the president during his inauguration speech described Boko Haram atrocities as a typical case of small fires causing large fires, saying that is already playing out.
He said: “On May 29, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari, at his swearing-in as President of Nigeria, said: ‘Boko Haram is a typical case of small fires causing large fires’.
“Now, before his watch, the fires are consuming the nation, and in many instances, they indeed start small.
“In all, Nigeria’s troubles are growing by the day, but our hands must remain stretched out in supplication.”
The cleric blamed those in power for paying more attention to rehabilitating bandits and kidnappers rather than commiserate with the victims and halt the deteriorating state of insecurity in the country.
He expressed concern over the killing of security operatives and the “helplessness” of the citizens, saying: “Taunted by Boko Haram, ravaged by bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other merchants of death across the nation, there is collective fear as to whether Nigeria’s glory is about to depart! Retired military and intelligence officers lament over what has become of their glorious profession as they watch the humiliation of our military personnel.
“Traumatised citizens are tortured daily by bandits. The nation has since become a massive killing field, as both government and the governed look on helplessly.
“A thick and suffocating cloud of desperation, despondency, desolation, gloom, and misery hangs in the hot air. We have no message and have no idea how long this will last. Our people seek solace and protection, but frustration and darkness threaten to drown them. Is their government on AWOL?”
According to Kukah, the widespread insecurity has been unattended to by those in authority, noting that it has given a wrong impression to the citizens that all warnings are falling on deaf ears.
He said: “Widespread serious insecurity for long unaddressed has left the sad and dangerous impressions that those who have assumed the duty and authority to secure the nation are either unable or worse, unwilling to take up the responsibilities to their office.
“Patience is running out. Sadly, all of these warnings are still falling on deaf ears.”
Kukah, therefore, appealed to Christians to continue in their faith and emulate the life of Jesus Christ while he was on earth.
“I appeal to Christians to continue in the spirit of the Gospel, the teachings of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. St. Paul says: Though He was God, he humbled himself, became man and remained obedient up till death (Phil. 2:6ff),” he stated.
