By Akinwale Kasali
His Lordship Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has faulted Nigeria’s democracy, raising concerns over its weak values and principles.
The revered Clergyman warned that the country’s democratic system thrives despite persistent contradictions and a lack of meaningful change.
He stressed that democracy must be understood and protected because it remains the most viable framework for societal stability.
“Democracy is not perfect, but it is preferable to alternatives,” he said, citing Winston Churchill.
He made this remark at the 10th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Degree.
Kukah highlighted that despite protests, court actions, and civil society efforts, political systems in Nigeria often continue without accountability. He added that democracy, as an equal-opportunity system, allows nations to thrive, but institutional culture and citizen attitudes in Nigeria have yet to fully align with democratic ideals.
“There are people who grumble, people who are taken to prison, people who end up as widows, and people in civil society who protest or go to court, yet everything continues as usual. Even when over 80 or 90 per cent of votes are not fully accounted for, normalcy returns,” Kukah said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the principles of democracy and hold political leaders accountable, noting that empty promises have often hindered genuine national progress.
His remarks underscores the importance of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and education in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
