Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese in Nigeria, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria, to address unemployment and religious extremism as critical measures to combat Nigeria’s widespread insecurity.
In his 2024 Christmas homily at the Holy Family Cathedral Catholic Church, Sokoto on Wednesday, Bishop Kukah described insecurity as a by-product of corruption and stressed the need for comprehensive solutions to the country’s challenges.
“Insecurity cannot be overcome without addressing unemployment and violent religious extremism, which create conditions for violence,” he stated.
The fiery cleric also urged the enforcement of Nigerian laws to prosecute perpetrators of religious extremism, whom he described as criminals and murderers.
Bishop Kukah encouraged Christians to remain resolute in their faith and moral responsibilities, regardless of the nation’s systemic failures. “We are the world’s light, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. We must not allow the weaknesses and failures of the Nigerian state to become an excuse for doing wrong,” he said.
The cleric advised Christians to uphold their baptismal vows and prioritise divine law over human frameworks, such as the Constitution. “The Constitution has its flaws, but the Word of God is a divine command, inerrant, and written in the hearts of good Christians,” he stated, referencing 2 Corinthians 3:3.
On the recent tragedies in Okija, Ibadan, and Abuja where citizens lost their lives in stampedes during food distributions, Bishop Kukah described these incidents as symbols of the desperation Nigerians face daily. He criticised the government’s failure to alleviate hunger and poverty, which has driven citizens to despair.
“These tragedies were avoidable,” he remarked. “The government must collaborate more effectively with institutions that promote the common good to prevent such loss of life.”
Emphasising the Catholic Church’s long tradition of supporting the vulnerable through organisations like St. Vincent de Paul, Bishop Kukah reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to serving the most disadvantaged members of society. He urged the government to fulfil its responsibility to uphold the dignity of all Nigerians.
Bishop Kukah also referenced Pope Francis’ recent encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), which warns against the dangers of self-centredness and societal narcissism.
“A heartless society, trapped in walls of selfishness, cannot foster healthy relationships.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts and recommit to living the ideals Jesus taught us. May this season bring joy, and may the new year bring blessings,” Bishop Kukah stated.