Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has issued a clarion call to the federal government, urging the development of a robust template aimed at steering Nigeria towards a path of national healing and rejuvenation.
In a poignant plea directed towards prominent political figures like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Bishop Kukah stressed the imperative need for a strategic blueprint to address pressing societal challenges and foster inclusive governance.
Central to Bishop Kukah’s vision for Nigeria’s transformation is the eradication of nepotism, which he identifies as a deeply entrenched societal ill.
He emphasizes the necessity for a deliberate policy of inclusion in government recruitment processes, advocating for transparency as a means to cultivate patriotism and dismantle feudalistic tendencies.
“The government must design a more comprehensive and wide-ranging method of recruitment that is transparent as a means of generating patriotism and reversing the ugly face of feudalism and prebendalism,” Bishop Kukah asserts, articulating a vision for a fairer and more equitable society.
In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah underscores the importance of effective communication and accountability in governance.
He calls for a clear and cohesive communication strategy that outlines specific goals, timelines, and mechanisms for holding accountable those responsible for achieving national objectives.
“There is need for clarity over questions of the Who, What, When, and How national set goals are to be attained and who can be held accountable,” Bishop Kukah emphasizes, advocating for a departure from the prevailing trend of relying solely on announcements and appointments as indicators of government action.
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Bishop Kukah critiques the overreliance on military intervention and the proliferation of non-professional security outfits.
He warns against diluting the professionalism of the military by outsourcing security responsibilities to untrained groups, emphasizing the need for a strategic and sustainable approach to combating insecurity.
“Trillions of Naira continue to go into bottomless pits with little measurable benefits,” Bishop Kukah laments, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive plan to address insecurity and restore public trust in governmental efforts.
Commending the government’s pledge to cease ransom payments to bandits and kidnappers, Bishop Kukah emphasizes the importance of concrete action and results in securing the release of abducted citizens.
He urges President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritize probity, streamline governance costs, and implement robust agricultural initiatives to restore dignity and prosperity to the Nigerian people.
“No one needs to line up to receive aid when we are not in a war. Give our people back their farms and develop a comprehensive agricultural plan to put our country back on the path of honour and human dignity,” Bishop Kukah asserts, encapsulating the essence of his vision for Nigeria’s renewal.
As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its history, Bishop Kukah’s impassioned plea serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to forge a brighter and more inclusive future for all citizens.
In the pursuit of Nigeria’s rebirth, leaders like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu are called upon to heed this clarion call and champion the development of a comprehensive strategy that places the interests and welfare of the Nigerian people at its core.
