Nigeria stagnant because citizens chose darkness over light: Bishop Kukah

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has delivered a powerful and thought-provoking message on the state of Nigeria, expressing concern over the country’s ongoing stagnation. According to Kukah, the stagnation in the country can be attributed to the choices made by its citizens, who, in his view, have opted for “darkness over light” when it comes to national leadership and decision-making.

Speaking at a public gathering, Bishop Kukah highlighted the challenges that Nigeria continues to face, including corruption, insecurity, and economic instability, which have hindered the country’s progress. He lamented that despite the potential for greatness, Nigeria has remained trapped in a cycle of underdevelopment because its citizens have consistently made decisions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term progress.

In his remarks, Bishop Kukah referred to the metaphor of “darkness” to describe the choices made by many Nigerians who have, in his view, failed to elect visionary and morally upright leaders. He argued that the country has repeatedly chosen leaders who prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the people, contributing to the widespread poverty and inequality seen across the nation. The failure to choose leaders with integrity and a commitment to national development, according to Kukah, is a key reason for Nigeria’s stagnation.

Bishop Kukah also criticized the lack of accountability among Nigerian leaders, pointing out that many in positions of power have exploited their authority for personal gain. He stressed that this culture of impunity has further entrenched corruption within the political system, leaving citizens disillusioned and disengaged from the democratic process. The lack of transparency and justice, he argued, has created an environment where progress is stifled, and the country’s potential remains untapped.

The Bishop did not limit his critique to just the political class; he also challenged Nigerian citizens to reflect on their role in the country’s challenges. He pointed out that while bad leadership plays a significant role in the country’s stagnation, ordinary Nigerians also have a responsibility in ensuring that they hold leaders accountable and actively participate in shaping the nation’s future. He noted that by making informed choices in elections and demanding better governance, citizens can help steer the country toward development and prosperity.

Kukah’s comments also touched on the issue of religious and ethnic divisions within Nigeria, which he sees as another factor contributing to the country’s stagnation. He expressed concern that these divisions have often been exploited by politicians to secure power, further deepening the country’s challenges. According to Kukah, the lack of unity and understanding between different groups in Nigeria has made it difficult for the nation to work collectively toward common goals.

He urged Nigerians to rise above these divisions and work together for the common good of the country. He called for a collective commitment to peace, justice, and progress, emphasizing that only through unity can the nation overcome its challenges. For Kukah, the path to a prosperous Nigeria lies in the ability of citizens to move beyond self-interest and embrace the values of fairness, equality, and good governance.

Bishop Kukah also emphasized the importance of education in overcoming Nigeria’s stagnation. He highlighted that a well-educated population is essential for the country’s growth and development. He lamented the state of education in Nigeria, with many children out of school and the quality of education continuing to decline. He called for urgent reforms in the education sector, stressing that the future of Nigeria depends on equipping its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to build a better society.

In his conclusion, Bishop Kukah urged Nigerians to embrace the light of hope, integrity, and justice, rather than the darkness of corruption, division, and poor leadership. He expressed his belief that, despite the challenges the country faces, Nigeria still has the potential to thrive if its citizens choose to act in the best interest of the nation. He called on Nigerians to hold themselves accountable, demand better governance, and work together to create a better future for the generations to come.

Bishop Kukah’s remarks have resonated with many Nigerians who are frustrated by the country’s current state and the seeming lack of progress despite its vast resources. His call for introspection, unity, and moral leadership serves as a reminder that the journey toward a better Nigeria requires the active participation of all citizens, not just those in positions of power. It also highlights the need for a shift in values, from personal gain to collective prosperity, in order to break the cycle of stagnation and create a brighter future for Nigeria.