The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has called on
law enforcement agencies to arrest those who “threatened” Mathew Kukah, bishop
of Sokoto Catholic diocese.
The Muslim Solidarity Forum had asked Kukah to apologise for
his alleged attack on Islam or vacate the caliphate following his Christmas
message where he had accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism
But reacting at a conference in Kaduna, on Monday, Jonathan
Asake, SOKAPU’s national president, said it is obvious that southerners get
harassed when they criticise Buhari’s government, but if the criticism comes
from “the core north”, no one raises an eyebrow.
Using the Sultan of Sokoto and some other prominent people as examples, he said the points Kukah raised in his message is in not different from what had been said certain persons from the north, even in “a more critical manner”.
He said the criticism from this set of people never
attracted condemnation and threats, alleging that the action has shown the
discriminatory nature of the Buhari administration.
“It appears to us, therefore, that comments by Nigerians
attract different reactions from the government, depending on the region,
ethnicity, and religion of the person making such comments,” Asake said.
“It’s sad to note that when persons of core Northern
extraction criticize the government; they are taken as kind words, but when the
same statements are made by people of Southern or Middle Belt extractions; they
are harassed and tormented and their comments branded as treasonable by the
government.
“This discriminatory posture of government clearly shows
that the Buhari-led administration treats Nigerian citizens differently; some
as first-class and others considered as second class.
“When the respected Bishop Kukah criticised the government
in his Christmas homily, all hell broke loose from Northern elements who have
consistently exhibited intolerance since the assumption of Buhari as the
President.
“Sadly so, his glaring nepotism, chauvinism, and bigotry in
his governance style seem to lend credence to this perception.
“All that Bishop Kukah is accused of saying against this
government had been said by some other people in a more critical manner but
never attracted a barrage of condemnation and threats.
“We note that the Sultan of Sokoto, prominent emirs, and the
Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) had condemned President Buhari over his dismal
performance in tackling insecurity in the country, with NEF calling on him to
resign.
“The anger and threats that are being issued against the
revered Bishop were never served on the Sultan, emirs, and the NEF which
clearly shows the discriminatory posture of this government.
“Those who have threatened Bishop Kukah ought to be arrested
and be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Asake added that no one has the monopoly of violence,
warning the groups issuing the threats that no harm must befall Kukah.
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