KEY POINTS
- Presidency responds unfavourably to Kukah’s comment on Tinubu’s political leadership plan.
- Kukah referred to the Tinubu presidency as an accident” and endured criticism for it.
- Tinubu’s presidency is still supported by democratic legitimacy despite the reactions.
The Nigerian Presidency has reacted angrily to the recent comments made by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah where he deemed President Bola Tinubu as an “accidental leader”. The presidency described Kukah’s statement as disgraceful and unfair in assessing Tinubu’s leadership after his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
In an interview, Kukah had said that it was not well thought out that Tinubu is the president rather he is a product of an accidental president brought about by accidents and mere coincidences not leadership prowess. This angered the presidency which quickly fired back and defended Tinubu pointing out that he was as qualified to lead the country as anyone else.
The response from the presidency pointed out that Tinubu was not an intruder but the leader who was elected democratically to transform Nigeria. The statement also mentioned the president’s extensive political experience as well as his previous campaigns and administration in Lagos State.
Presidency assures on Tinubu’s candidacy
In his defense, the Presidency noted that by referring to Tinubu as an “accidental leader,” Kukah is actually disparaging the electoral process in Nigeria and disrespecting voter choice. The presidency also noted that such remarks enhanced the issue of division within the nation at a time that it is facing numerous problems within the aspect of governance and unity.
The statement urged the citizens including the religious leaders such as Kukah to be constructive in their interaction with the government with a view to fostering unity and development in the Nigerian state. It also assured that, as president, Tinubu will not be a president of the APC or a president of the supporters of the Tinubu, but rather a president of the entire country.
Kukah’s criticism opens national discussion
Kukah’s comments extend debates about Nigeria’s political setting and the position of leadership in the country’s continuous issues. People from the opposing side, together with critics, have echoed the same sentiment aggrieved with Tinubu’s administration after the disputed 2023 elections.
However, those who voted for Tinubu stress that his becoming a president is no surprise, and he has all the chances to lead Nigeria as he possesses a democratic mandate and the necessary political and economic experience. What is more, they claimed that Kukah’s comment form part of a script that opponents of the president want to achieve.
