The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union has kicked against the threats to the life of Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah.
The union in a statement released on Monday called for the arrest of those who threatened the cleric over his Christmas day message.
Recall that Kukah had in a message had accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism in his appointment among others.
The National President of SOKAPU, while speaking at a world press conference in Kaduna on Monday warned that no harm must befall the Catholic bishop.
Asake further stated that only people like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and emirs from the core north can condemn Buhari’s government and go scot-free in the country today.
He added that there is nothing in the message of Kukah that had not been said by prominent Nigerians such as the Sultan.
He pointed to the way the former Minister of Defence, Gen. TY Danjuma(retd.), and the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Obadiah Mailafia, were treated over their statement on insecurity.
Asake said, “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.”
“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.”
The former lawmaker added, “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.”
“SOKAPU stands with Bishop Kukah and others who before him had called to attention the subtle and continuing annihilation of our communities.”
“Those who have threatened Bishop Kukah ought to be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
“For the Islamic group that issued out a threat and an ultimatum on the Bishop, we must warn here that nobody has a monopoly of violence and nothing should happen to Bishop Kukah.”
Asake while condemning the increase in insecurity in the country noted that between January and December 2020, victims of kidnappings in Southern Kaduna had paid N900million as a ransom to their abductors.