The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, has stated that Nigeria cannot afford to leave critical matters of life and death in the hands of religious leaders.
In his welcome address at a high-level discourse on religion and democracy in Abuja yesterday, Kukah, also the convener of the National Peace Committee, expressed concern over the growing violence attributed to religious differences.
He questioned how an individual could take the life of another over alleged blasphemy, pointing to recent incidents in Sokoto, including the killing of Deborah and a subsequent attack on a Muslim.
“We don’t have those powers. Those powers have been transferred to the Nigerian state, which monopolises violence so it can protect its citizens,” Kukah said, referring to the government’s role in maintaining law and order.
Kukah also warned against the rising trend of religious leaders being co-opted into political agendas, stressing the importance of maintaining religious integrity.
“The only right we have is to pray for the party in power. But we must be careful not to become the praying wing of any political party,” he added.
Addressing concerns over religious tensions in Nigerian politics, the Archbishop pointed out the controversy surrounding the candidacies of two Muslim men in the presidential race, noting that it had sparked anxiety among many Nigerians.
He stressed that religious leaders should focus on guiding society with principles, regardless of the president’s religion.
“We must ensure that religion is not seen as a liability,” Kukah said, urging his fellow religious leaders to reflect on the true meaning of their faiths and maintain their independence from political influence.”
“If religious leaders fail to act decisively, religion may lose its relevance, with its efficacy fading into the past.”
