Boko Haram: Bishop Kukah canvasses support for Jonathan’s strategies

Posted by admin Boko Haram, Latest Politics Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

Foremost religious leader and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto State, Monsignor Matthew Hassan Kukah has enjoined Nigerians to believe in President’s Goodluck Jonathan’s plans and strategies in the war aginst the activities of the dreaded Islamic insurgent, Boko Haram.

Speaking to journalists yesterday at a press parley organized to mark the conclusion of the 2nd National Missions Congress of Nigeria held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Ibadan, Bishop Kukah also called on Nigerians to conquer fear and desist from activities that create more fear and confusion through bomb scares and unguided statements.

His words: “Everybody has become an expert in conversions regarding Boko Haram without realizing that we are playing into the hands of very dangerous elements. They have succeeded in instilling fear in all of us. It is now pertinent to believe what Jonathan said in his Independence Day broadcast. We should believe in the strategies and plans he has put on ground to curb this Boko Haram menace. We should encourage the government in this onerous task”

Kukah, who was appointment Bishop of Sokoto Diocese in June 2011, pointed out that it would however be difficult to dialogue with Boko Haram because there has been a disconnect between the sect and whatever represented their grievances. According to him, Boko Haram’s grievance two years ago was their frustration with the excesses of the Nigerian Police and Military apparatus, “but subsequently, there has been a disconnect and we don’t know what they are asking for”

The former Vicar of the Kaduna Archdiocese further noted that conquering the Boko Haram scourge is the business and responsibility of every Nigerian because “we all must join hands with the government”.
Also speaking at the press conference, the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna and Episcopal Chairman of the National Missionary Council of Nigeria, Most Rev. Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, said that dialogue and the pursuit of peaceful co-existence among the various religions in the country was imperative for national development and stability. These, he noted, were integral duties of all catholic missions.

-Sunwp_posts