The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev.
Mathew Hassan Kukah, says Indigenous People of
Biafra, IPOB, Movement for the Actualization of the
Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Niger Delta
Avengers, NDA, and other groups clamouring for
secession have the right to do so.
He, however, urged them to push their demands
through the National Assembly.
Speaking to newsmen during the 2016 Fathers’
Day celebration at the Catholic Church of Nativity,
Festac Town, Lagos, Bishop Kukah said: “I don’t
have a problem with anybody wanting to leave
Nigeria or requesting for a new state or local
council, there is absolutely nothing wrong. The only thing wrong is if you fail to understand that
we are in democracy and the only way to achieve
that is through the National Assembly.”
On the recent Britain’s exit from the EU and lessons
for Nigeria, Kukah noted that: “Britain has exited
the EU; the history of the EU is over 50 years so it
will be an illusion for Nigeria to begin to speculate
whether there is a correlation between what has
happened and the agitations in our country.”
“First of all, Britain is a country and they have
exited from a union of countries, it is not British
people who have exited from Britain. Scotland
tried, but the people of Scotland said they want
something better.
“I think we must come to terms with two things
that democracy has given us freedom to express
ourselves not just verbally but in action and
frankly, I don’t have a problem with anybody
wanting to leave Nigeria or stay or wanting a new
state or local government, there is absolutely nothing wrong.
“The only thing wrong is if you fail to understand
that we are in democracy and the only way is
through our Representatives and the National
Assembly, that is why we have them. President
Muhammadu Buhari cannot give you a new local
government or a new state. If you want an independent Biafra, household or any other form
of independence, the way to go about it is not by
agitation but by talking to those who represent
you.”
“If you want an independent Biafra, independent
household or any other form of independence, the
only way to go about it is not by violent agitation
but by talking to those who represent you in the
National Assembly. Your representatives can
sponsor a bill and if the bill is passed and signed, then you can get whatever you want.”
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