Bishop Kukah denies releasing pro-Biafra message that says Nigeria will break up

Contrary to a message being circulated online, the bishop of Sokoto Catholic diocese, Matthew Kukah, says he did not call for breaking up Nigeria.

In a statement purportedly signed by Bishop Kukah, the cleric was quoted as justifying the cause for a sovereign state of Biafra and questioned Nigeria’s unity, The Cable reported.

The statement, which is titled “Another Bombardment to d Nigeria state by fearless Catholic Clergy Bishop Matthew Kukah,” is being shared on social media and instant messaging platforms, particularly Whatsapp.

A portion of the statement reads:

“Anyone who thinks the Biafra agitation is a nuisance and irritating should know that it is not the collective aspiration of all Igbos but especially that no one has the monopoly of nuisance. Nuisance begets nuisance.”

The statement further claimed that some persons “can kill you and get away with it…at the slightest excitement”, adding that “this country will end unless there is justice for all. I hate the lie that Nigeria is. Let’s say the truth and die but it is what will set us free”.

This is not the first time such a statement is being shared online. In fact, it dates back to 2017 when the bishop first issued a rebuttal.

A statement he personally signed at the time read:

“Here is a disclaimer for notice of the general public. There is a spurious and an untitled piece credited to me about Biafra which is enjoying wide circulation on social media.

“I have nothing to do with it.”