Kukah Urges Tinubu To Address Widespread Hunger In Nigeria
The Archbishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Bishop Mathew Kukah, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently address the economic hardship facing Nigerians. Speaking at the unveiling of The Progressive Institute in Abuja on Friday, Kukah highlighted the widespread hunger and appealed to the government to reduce the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), which has recently spiked, causing long queues at fuel stations across the country.
Kukah emphasized the dire situation by recounting a conversation with a young girl who, when asked about her political affiliation, responded, “I am hungry.” He urged the government to take decisive action to improve the lives of Nigerians. “Find a way of reducing the price of fuel. Find a way of keeping our country secure. That will be the greatest legitimacy of any government,” Kukah said.
The bishop also expressed concern over public officials’ increasing reliance on spiritualists and ritualists after assuming office, criticizing the neglect of scientific and rational decision-making. He pointed out that many leaders turn to necromancy and other superstitions rather than using evidence-based approaches to governance.
Kukah commended the establishment of The Progressive Institute, spearheaded by the APC’s National Working Committee under Abdullahi Ganduje, for its potential to foster informed and progressive governance.
In response, Nasarawa State APC Chairman, Aliyu Bello, acknowledged the economic difficulties but defended Tinubu’s efforts, stating, “Yes, there is hunger in the land. President Tinubu is working on it… the solution is coming through the APC.”
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, also defended the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. He acknowledged the current challenges but assured Nigerians that these reforms would ultimately lead to stability and growth.
