Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto delivered a poignant Easter message during the Holy Saturday Vigil, urging President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians amid rising insecurity and economic challenges. He described the nation’s struggles as a “cross of pain, brutality, and hopelessness” akin to Christ’s crucifixion.
In his heartfelt appeal, Kukah warned that Nigeria is nearing a breaking point, likening it to a “huge national morgue” and called for urgent action to address the escalating crises. He acknowledged that while Tinubu did not create these issues, it is now his responsibility to guide the country toward healing and restoration.
Kukah criticized the persistence of insecurity, highlighting the alarming rise in kidnappings and violence, as well as the socio-economic hardships exacerbated by subsidy removal and inflation. He urged the government to prioritize food security as a fundamental human right, pleading, “Mr. President, please bring us down from this painful cross of hunger.”
The bishop also pointed out the role of political actors who, he claimed, have exploited violence for political gain, exacerbating the nation’s troubles. He questioned whether Nigerians are being sacrificed to an “unknown god,” expressing concern over the government’s effectiveness in tackling insecurity.
Despite the grim realities, Kukah’s message offered a note of hope, aligning his words with the Vatican’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Hope. He encouraged Nigerians to maintain faith and resilience, stating, “These times of great suffering should be times of hope — hope that does not disappoint.”
