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Probes can’t be substitute for governance -Kukah
Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, and member of National Peace Commission, Reverend Father Matthew Kukah, has stated that the ongoing probes by the Muhammadu Buhari administration should not be used as a substitute for governance.
Ho noted that in as much as most Nigerians agree that corruption is the bane of development in the country, the many probes into the administration of the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan cannot be replacement for governance which the present administration should be doing.
The respected cleric therefore cautioned President Buhari to face the business of governance rather than dissipating energy on probing his predecessor’s administration.
The clergyman who spoke during an interview with the Channels Television on Thursday maintained that Nigeria owes former President Jonathan so much for his magnanimity in conceding defeat in the last general election as an incumbent president.
Kukah who is known for his outspokenness did not however support that treasury looters should go scot-free but emphasized the need to follow the due process in handling the matter.
Read also: Buhari to try looters in ‘matter of weeks’
The cleric also stressed that Jonathan as a former president had been able to show an uncommon disposition by accepting defeat in the election.
President Buhari had on Tuesday maintained that the trial of looters would commence in a few weeks.
Since the president took over the helms of affairs on May 29 after defeating Jonathan he has been talking tough on probing the administration for mismanaging the country’s economy.
In the past months, some of the aides the former president had been quizzed by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFFCC).
The former military strongman who ruled Nigeria between December 31 1983 and August 27 1985 is known for his had stance and disciplinarian posture.
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Don Lucassi
August 14, 2015 at 7:46 am
Father, its not a substitute. If you want to govern well, and have the resources to make governance work, you need to sanitize the system first.
Gavin Bond
August 14, 2015 at 8:43 am
Are you condoning graft? You must know anyway since the catholic church was built on graft, dishonesty and intimidation. Now you tell me, from your own common sense, how you expect a white man (Jesus) to be our salvation? Can’t you see how they have tricked you to accept the white man as your superior by accepting Jesus as your savior?
Leadership includes delegation. He’s not investigating the matter himself, is he? He has got plenty of time for governance. Those who are guilty should return the looted money to cut short the process of investigation so that the administration can concentrate on what you want it to, simple as that. Blessings
Femi Balogun
August 14, 2015 at 9:59 am
This statement from the Archbishop is just a ruse and an expression of his frustration that his candidate cum ally-Fmr President Jonathan,did not win otherwise where is the connection between retrieving stolen funds by instituting probes(which is also part of governance contrary to the claim of the Archbishop)and Jonathan ‘s concession of defeat at the polls(which is normal in every sustained democracy)In fact his exaggeration of Jonathan’s alleged ‘magnanimity’begs the question and it is a subtle way of asking PMB to save the former President by stopping the probes as a reciprocation for the purported ‘magnanimity ‘.PMB should not fall for this devilish ploy and veiled blackmail.Shalom.
Findsems
August 14, 2015 at 10:37 am
And this is an Archbishop ? what is this man’s business with politics ? Now we know those who doesnt want good for this country. Let the probe continue for atleast a year, the governing will commence thereafter.
Marcus Uka Mong
August 14, 2015 at 11:29 am
Well said.Investigation of the past government should not become substitute for economic development of Nigeria.Virtually all hitherto-ongoing projects especially roads have been abandoned because of probe.No new direction on power, commerce and industrialization.In fact the economy is virtually at standstill.Corrupt people should be investigated but governance and economic development of Nigeria must be seen to be in operation.
Olukayode Soremekun
August 14, 2015 at 3:05 pm
I am extremely disappointed at this posture of Bishop Kukah, someone I had held in very high esteem. From henceforth I think I can only maintain sanity by doubting the sincerity of people including those I once held in high esteem until they show that the respect is not misplaced.
Why should people to whom lots of respect are given consider in any breath at all to convince PMB not to probe thieves? Are they complicit in the act?
I do not agree that PMB has shown only a single focus thus far at the detriment of governance. These folks are just seeking for ways of diverting his attention from the anti-corruption fight.
His actions have adequately focused on insecurity what with the appointment of new service chiefs, the joint Lake Chad Commission force, the noises we hear from foreign countries desirous of supporting the fight etc. His actions have also included focus on the goose that lays the golden eggs. To my mind that was a master stroke. That cannot be anything else but instituting world class governance in the lifeline of our dear country. Furthermore, his posture on corruption has sent a message to the institution of impunity and it has been well received. One does not need too much searching to see that people are wary to put any foot wrong these days.
Maybe we can urge PMB to not tarry longer beyond his promised date to appoint ministers that will join him in delivering the promises he and his party made.
These folks who call themselves elders should just go back home and pray for his success. They should stop trying to convince him to go contrary to the wishes of majority of the people.
Ride on PMB. May God see you through. Amen.