By Our Correspondent
National News – The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has raised urgent alarms over Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and governance failures.
In his 2026 Easter message titled Faith and Hope in Times of Turbulence, Kukah described the nation as trapped in “endless turbulence,” warning that without immediate intervention, Nigeria risks sliding into deeper crisis.
He highlighted the humanitarian impact, citing thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and widespread community devastation.
Kukah criticized local elites for perpetuating instability and called out the political leadership for failing to deliver on promises, leaving millions in poverty and young people without hope.
He described Nigeria as a “field hospital,” borrowing the late Pope Francis’ metaphor, and expressed concern over declining trust in the military and government institutions, which has driven citizens into alliances with criminal groups.
He warned that banditry and informant networks threaten the future of communities, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and citizen vigilance.
The cleric also condemned short-term relief measures, such as food distribution, as symptomatic of systemic failures in planning and agriculture.
“Merely distributing food is an admission of the failure of our nation to develop robust and aggressive agricultural plans capable of ending hunger,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Kukah urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and moral responsibility, balancing self-defence with the pursuit of peace.
He encouraged citizens to actively participate in national renewal rather than relying solely on leaders.
Drawing on biblical imagery, Kukah expressed hope that collective action and unity could stabilize the nation.
“The boat of our nation is threatening to sink, yet even in his sleep, he is awake to command the storm to be still,” he said.
He concluded by calling for both prayer and practical measures to rebuild trust, security, and governance across Nigeria.
