Nigeria’s presidency on Wednesday frowned at the quit notice served on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah by the Muslim Solidarity Forum in Sokoto.
The group had earlier accused Kukah of making “malicious comments” against Islam during his Christmas message, asking him to either tender a public apology or leave the seat of the Caliphate.
However, the fiery clergy denied the allegations, saying he would be more than happy to apologize if the Islamic group could show him where he attacked Muslims in his Christmas homily.
But in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammdu Buhari on Media and Publicity, the presidency said it was wrong for the group to threaten father Kukah to leave Sokoto, because it negates the spirit and letters of Nigerian constitution.
The presidency said every citizen has the right to freedom of expression and to reside in any part of the country.
The statement reads, “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.
“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,” the presidency said.
In the statement, Shehu also said Kukah offended many Nigerians with his criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement continued: “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 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.
“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. 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,” the presidency said.
