Father Hassan Kukah: Buhari faults quit notice
By Sunday Obiora
The Federal Government has faulted the quit notice issued by fiery cleric, Father Hassan Kukah.
Muslim Solidarity Forum based in Sokoto had given Kukah a marching order to leave Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate.
But the President said the quit notice was wrong counselling that the plural faith of the country cannot be compromised.
In a statement made available to Irohinoodia, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said though Kukah has been a critic of Buhari’s government but that it was wrong for the group to have given him quit notice.
Shehu in a statement made available to Irohinoodua said Father Kukah must be allowed to practise his faith and politics”.
Shehu said the forum’s call was not in line with the country’s laws
Shehu said “Under our constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibitions.”
According to Shehu “Father Kukah has greatly offended many with his controversial remarks against the government and the person of the President, with some even accusing him of voicing anti-Islamic rhetoric.
He said on matters such as these, responsible leadership in any society must exercise restraint.
“Knee-jerk reactions will not only cause the fraying of enduring relationships, but also the evisceration of peaceful communities such as Sokoto, the headquarters of the Muslim community as beacon of pluralism and tolerance.
“The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Father Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.
“Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate. Unilateral action is not the way to go,” Shehu added