By Ismail Auwal
President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted the “ultimatum” issued by the Muslim Solidary Forum to Matthew Kukah, saying that the forum’s ultimatum was wrong.
On Wednesday, the Muslim Solidarity Forum asked Kukah to apologise or leave the state over his “malicious comments” against Muslims.
Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, reacting to the forum’s statement on Wednesday, said the forum’s ultimatum was wrong, noting that every citizen has the right to reside in any part of the country and move freely.
He, however, said as a good citizen, one must respect the rights and sensitivities of fellow Nigerians, adding that Kukah has “greatly offended many” with his controversial remarks against Buhari.
“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,” Shehu said.
Garba added that, “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.”
“Father Kukah has 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.”
“On matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint. Knee-jerk reactions will 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 a beacon of pluralism and tolerance.”
“The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.”
Shehu in the statement urged the Muslim group to embrace peaceful coexistence with people of other religions, and urged the Catholic bishop to respect the feelings of other Nigerians when making comments on the state of the nation.
“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.
“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.”
Kukah, in his Christmas message, had accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism.
