Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah's 2020 Christmas Day Homily titled: Closing our Eyes to the Evidence before us
As always, bishop
Matthew Hassan Kukah has analyzed Nigeria's current situation prophetically,
intellectually and socially, and has presented the facts as they are based on
the evidence before us. He has continually addressed those who wield the reins
of power to rule with a bit of humanity and work for the collective good of
Nigeria. His record of positive criticisms and suggesting ways to overcome Nigeria's
problems spans from the time of the military until now. History will vindicate
him for confronting the evil of injustice in Nigeria even at the expense of his
own safety. Speaking truth to power in Nigeria, no doubt, demands an uncommon
courage, because it is dangerous to do so, and those in power often consider
themselves to be beyond the arms of the law.
Bishop Kukah's Christmas message titled, "A Nation in Search of Vindication," accurately and without bias describes the current state of Nigeria: A journey without a feasible destination in sight. In the words of the bishop: "This government owes the nation an explanation as to where it is headed as we seem to journey into darkness." The evidence before us suggests this same conclusion, for beside hunger and poverty, we live in one of the most unsecured countries in the world, as notable northern leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, have attested. When will all these end, given the fact that this government placed eradicating corruption and insecurity on the front burner of its campaign promises? When asked government's timeframe for ending Nigeria's security challenges about a week ago, the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, seems to have no clue. Against logic and international best practices, he simply told Nigerians to be patient with government until whenever that happens. His view that Nigerians, who die daily in the hands of armed herdsmen and terrorists, do the government no favour by being patient is perhaps the most uncritical and insensitive statement to ever come from a government spokesperson. Again, no explanation is offered, no realistic hope is given; patient must the people be. Mr. Adesina's statement seems to reinforce the suspicion that this government is aloft from the challenges of Nigerians.
