President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a national treasure whose voice has consistently shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he joined “the Catholic family and Body of Christ to celebrate the highly revered priest,” adding that Kukah’s “compassion for the poor and underprivileged continues to influence people-centred development policies in Nigeria and Africa.”
Tinubu praised the clergyman for his ability to merge faith with scholarship, noting that he has “balanced his spiritual and intellectual works with practical guides on how democracy can impact development and good governance worldwide.”
The President also highlighted Kukah’s contributions to national development, saying: “Bishop Kukah’s role in the struggle for the return of democracy in Nigeria and his support for peace and harmony are remarkable. Bishop Kukah served as a member of Nigeria’s Truth Commission, Secretary of the Political Reform Conference, member of Nigeria’s Electoral Reform Committee, and worked assiduously to promote harmonious relationships between Christians and Muslims as Chairman of Nigeria’s Inter-religious Dialogue.”
Tinubu further commended the Bishop’s long-standing “advocacy for justice, democracy and human development,” which he described as “an irreplaceable treasure.” He concluded with a prayer, saying “The President prays for a longer life, good health and wisdom for Bishop Kukah.”