We Worked Closely With INEC – Bishop Kukah |The Source

By Charles Igbo

The Catholic Bishop of  Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has disclosed that the National Peace Committee, worked closely with the Independent National Electoral  Commission, INEC, in the September 19 Governorship Election.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, is the Chairman of the Committee. Kukah is a member.

Most people had resigned to fate that the election was going to be violent. But the peace moves of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and the Peace Committee seemed to have done the magic.

And even though there were little skirmishes here and there, the Election has been generally adjudged peaceful.

Speaking on a Channels Television programme Tuesday,  Bishop Kukah commended the people of Edo State for their conduct during the  Saturday election.

The people have left a legacy of efficiency which the entire country should emulate, he said.

Kukah: “The way they conducted themselves and I think in every sense of the word, they left us a legacy of efficiency.”

The Bishop commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, Security Agencies and Civil Society groups for their roles in the election.

“We worked very closely with INEC and I must commend the INEC Chairman for his incredible leadership, zeal and enthusiasm.

“The Inspector-General of Police kept to his word on the promises he made to the people of Edo State and to the peace committee.

“Our commendation also goes to the people of Edo State. I have received quite a lot of messages from old friends that I haven’t spoken to in a long time, commending the work of the National Peace Committee but really this is not an honour that one individual should take.

“It is the people of Edo State, the way they conducted themselves,” he said.

Speaking generally about the political atmosphere in other parts of the country, he lamented that Nigeria is currently not practicing a democracy.

“What we are practicing in Nigeria, it’s just theoretically we answer the name democracy but in reality, what we are dealing with is a feudal system that is tied to agencies and ideologies that have got nothing to do with a democracy.

“When last did you see a politician across Europe which we are trying to imitate go and bow to the queen or king or seek blessings from a bishop. We have too many intervening variables that are confusing the narrative.

“We are really not practicing the principles of democracy and it lies in the fact that only those who have money can hope to be voted into power.

“If you feel you need to be anointed to ascend to power then we are running a theocracy”.