Former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has intervened after the presidency revealed that Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the President in a newly released statement.
The statement which was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, at the whelm when a Muslim group called ‘Muslim Solidarity Forum’, insisted that the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, must leave Sokoto and apologise to Muslim over his comment against Islam.In a new statement, Garba asked the group to allow Kukah practice his faith.
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His words: “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.
Fani Kayode in responding to the presidency said that: “Bishop Hassan Kukah did not attack Islam & has nothing to apologise about. He has always sought for religious tolerance & peaceful co-existence between Christians & Muslims. Those that demand that he “must apologise” or “leave Sokoto” must mind their utterances & keep the peace.
“If anyone can provide me with a video of Kukah calling for violence against Muslims or inciting people against Islam I will give him one million naira.”
Photo Credit: Getty
