By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Cleric Apologises to Christians Over “Pain and Confusion” Caused by Misquotation
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has firmly distanced himself from widespread media reports claiming he said Christians are not being persecuted in Nigeria. He described the attribution as false, misleading, and deeply troubling, stressing that his actual message was twisted beyond recognition.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Of the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria: My Response,” the respected cleric expressed heartfelt regret over the distress the misrepresentation caused within the Christian community. He apologised to believers across the country for the emotional pain triggered by the erroneous report, noting that unity, not controversy, was the goal of his original speech.
“I Never Said Christians Are Not Persecuted” — Kukah
The bishop addressed earlier reports that falsely quoted him as dismissing the idea of Christian persecution by suggesting that Nigeria’s educated population and economic power are dominated by Christians. The alleged quote claimed Christians could not be victims of persecution because they hold significant influence.
Kukah clarified that these statements were fabricated and did not reflect his remarks during a lecture delivered to the Catholic Knights of St. Mulumba in Kaduna on November 28.
“For the record, I did not say that Christians are not persecuted in Nigeria,” he stated plainly. “My message emphasised unity and solidarity. I said that with our enormous human and material resources, Christians would face fewer vulnerabilities if we stood together. Nothing in that message denied the pain, the killings, and the persecution our people experience.”
A Call for Unity, Not Controversy
The cleric stressed that his comments were rooted in a call for strategic cooperation among Christians and not an attempt to downplay the reality of persecution. He noted that Nigeria’s religious communities have suffered untold violence and the nation must not lose sight of its shared humanity.
Kukah reaffirmed his long-standing position that the killings, kidnappings, and bloodshed ravaging Nigeria must end. According to him, the government and security agencies bear a moral and constitutional obligation to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.
“The outpouring of emotions is understandable,” he said. “Life is sacred. Arguments about numbers or intent should never distract us from the fact that innocent Nigerians are dying and families are grieving.”
“Let Us Regain Our Humanity” — Kukah Urges Nigerians
Bishop Kukah appealed to Nigerians to focus on rebuilding the nation’s moral centre instead of sinking into division or despair. He argued that citizens must see themselves not as victims but as equal stakeholders in the quest to restore peace and justice.
“We owe ourselves the duty to regain our humanity, not as perpetual victims but as equal citizens,” he said. “Too many innocent souls have been lost. Too much blood has been shed. Our children remain in captivity. We cannot afford further distractions.”
He also assured his audience that his commitment to advocacy, peacebuilding, and justice remains unwavering. The renowned bishop added that this is not the time for believers to retreat, lose focus, or turn against one another.
“I Am Deeply Sorry for the Unnecessary Distraction” — Bishop
Kukah ended his statement with a solemn apology for the confusion caused by the misquotation. He called on Christians to remain steadfast and united, noting that the journey toward national healing is tough but achievable.
“These moments are too serious for us to equivocate,” he said. “We may falter along the way, but we will reach our destination by learning our lessons and keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize — peace, justice, and reconciliation for our country.”
He encouraged Christians to stay committed, drawing strength from faith as the season of Christmas approaches.
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