The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah has called on Nigerian politicians to strive to make politics noble, even as he called on them to create an enabling environment which would prepare the Nigerian youth for leadership positions in future.
Bishop Kukah who spoke during a courtesy visit to Governor Obiano at the Government House, Awka, Monday, also applauded Obiano for the giant strides of his administration and implored him not to relevant in his efforts.
“Politicians must strive to make politics noble. When people get a chance to serve, my prayer and hope is that people coming after them would learn from them because politics has become a career.”
Bishop Kukah who condemned what he described as ‘a visible disconnection between Nigerian leaders and their subjects’ therefore, called for provision of an enabling environment to prepare youths for leadership positions in the future.
He further urged Nigerians who have the opportunity to serve their country to be mindful of the weight of their offices and to set a good example in public conduct.
Bishop Hassan Kukah used the occasion of the visit to commend Governor Willie Obiano for his numerous efforts to speed up the development of Anambra State in the past 18 months.
“Your Excellency, we are witnesses to the efforts you have made to serve your people. We ask God to bless you and stay with you and to help you keep Anambra safe,” Bishop Kukah prayed and further observed that it was time politicians made politics a cleaner engagement in order to motivate the younger generations to emulate their footsteps.
Responding, Obiano who put on hold the Executive Council Meeting to welcome the Bishop, extolled him for his ‘rare courage, fearlessness and commitment to the cause of the common man,’ stressing that the Bishop motivates him to speak their mind on burning issues with honesty and fearlessness.
“I commend your courage in the way you present your views on Nigeria and your ability to speak without fear. Sometimes, we fear that your speeches may land you in trouble, but because you speak the truth, you always speak without fear or favour,” the governor remarked.
Governor Obiano commended Bishop Kukah for his willingness to offer wise counsel to pubic office holders, urging them to see governance as a call to duty. He praised him for his dedication, honesty and commitment to the spread of the word of God.
Earlier the opening remarks, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta observed that Bishop Kukah meant different things to different people, describing him as a scholar, towering intellectual giant, and a Bishop Without Border who according to him, has been involved not only in the religious and political activities in the Northern Nigeria, but also in the making of Nigeria for over 20 years.
