Atiku felicitates with Kukah at 70, hails contributions to democracy

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, felicitated with the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Father Mathew Kukah, describing him as a formidable advocate for good governance.

Atiku in a statement in Abuja, on Tuesday, emphasized that Bishop Kukah’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy are immeasurable and unquantifiable.

Describing him as a remarkable public intellectual, the former Vice President said that Kukah, as a man of God, had never hesitated to speak out on Nigeria’s ills.

He maintained that Kukah criticised leaders when they derailed from the responsibility of providing good governance and deepening the democracy.

Atiku highlighted: “Bishop Kukah is widely misunderstood because he speaks truth to power; a task that often attracts adversaries in our kind of society.

“Religious leaders are the moral compass and conscience of the people, and therefore, they have the obligation to tell leaders the truth when they are going wrong.

“Kukah is a great asset to Nigeria and humanity because of his tireless commitment to peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in the country and the passion he attaches to these efforts is amazing.

“Not once did I ever hear Kukah preach hate or bigotry in his sermons. All his sermons are focused on issues that can make Nigeria better.

“His passion for our unity and justice for all is one of his greatest virtues.”

Atiku stated that Kukah is a “giant fountain of inspiration.”

He said that it was impossible to interact with the cleric without tapping from his depth of knowledge, wisdom and incredible experience about life.

Atiku wished Kukah God’s continued blessing in good health and many more years of service to the country and humanity.