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Stay Away From Politics, Kukah Tells Military

By Karls Tsokar (Abuja) and Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo)
24 May 2015   |   4:26 am
THE Catholic Bishop of Sokoto has urged the military to stay out of politics and allow civilians rule the country for democratic growth and sustenance.  
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THE Catholic Bishop of Sokoto has urged the military to stay out of politics and allow civilians rule the country for democratic growth and sustenance.
 
Father Matthew Hassan Kukah as he is popularly called made the call Friday evening in Abuja at the formal presentation and launch of a biography on the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, titled: ‘Destiny Calling My Name’.

“Let those soldiers who have retired enjoy the benefits of their retirement, and let the soldiers who are serving remain in the military and do very well what they set out to do when they joined the military,” he said.

Bishop Kukah who chaired the occasion said the democratic journey of the country has so far been commendable, but with the seeming interest of retired military officers in elective positions and the unnecessary curiosity of serving officers, democratic progress could be hampered.

Meanwhile, Bishop Mike Bamidele of the Victory Chapel International, Osogbo, has urged Buhari to ensure national reconciliation and rehabilitation of victims of the Boko Haram insurgence when he takes charge of the nation’s affairs.

He said Buhari owes Nigerians a duty to provide good governance and run an inclusive administration that would not only address the welfare of citizens but also create a sense of belonging to all, irrespective of political and religious affiliations.

Addressing a press conference yesterday on the Pentecostal Day celebration scheduled to hold in Osogbo, Osun State on Monday, the cleric asked Buhari to seek God’s wisdom, urging him to prioritise education and jobs creation as a means of checkmating the insurgency.

“You know that the military has already taken away most of our years in this democracy. And as you have seen, they are still not yet through with us. After Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and General Muhammadu Buhari, how many more Generals do you want to have as Presidents? Will civilians grow this democracy or will it be the duty of soldiers?

“My people, we must make progress and our democracy will grow. This is not an anti-military rally but please soldiers, retired and serving, allow civilians to rule,” he said.

On the efforts of the military in tackling insecurity, Kukah acknowledged: “I believe that most Nigerians must be very pleased that when it mattered, our military displayed a high sense of responsibility.”

While commending Badeh for his efforts and contributions to national development, Kukah noted that the CDS’s assurance to Nigerians of the standard and professional conduct of the military in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity is worthy of commendation.

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