In a recent interview on Channels TV Sunrise Daily Programme, Bishop Matthew Kukah, the leader of the Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, expressed his disappointment in Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, describing him as a poor representative of Nigerian youth.
Kukah’s critique of the governor stems from the unrest and violence that has plagued Kogi State in the lead-up to the November 11 governorship election. Governor Bello, who has often highlighted his youthfulness as an asset, has failed to live up to the expectations, according to the Bishop.
“I feel very sad because Kogi has been on the front burner, and Yahaya Bello, the governor, prided himself with being the youngest governor and being a representation of what the youths of this country can do if they are given the opportunity,” Kukah expressed.
“Sadly, I think he’s been a very poor advertisement for what young people can do.”
Bishop Kukah also called for peace between labor unions and the government, emphasizing the importance of peaceful elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states.
He stressed that when elections go awry, it’s the ordinary citizens who suffer the most and urged labor leaders in Imo to carefully consider the consequences of their actions.
“In the end, it is the people of Imo who will bear the brunt,” he noted. “Imo is a deeply Christian environment, and I hope their religious leaders and those with moral authority can persuade the union to resolve their grievances peacefully. We appeal to them to do what is necessary and ensure that elections are conducted fairly. Our people have endured enough hardship.”