By Ayomide Otitoju
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has called on Christians in Nigeria to remain steadfast as the “light of the world” and to avoid using the nation’s structural failings as excuses for moral lapses.
In his Christmas message on Wednesday, Bishop Kukah emphasized the responsibility of Christians to lead by example, urging them not to blame societal corruption solely on institutions such as the Constitution, the judiciary, the police, or public officials.
“I appeal to Christians not to forget that we are the light of the world, the city on the hill that cannot be hidden. Christians must not allow the structural weaknesses, the foibles and failures of the Nigerian state, to become an excuse for doing wrong,” he said.
Bishop Kukah described corruption as a betrayal of the commitments made by Christians during baptism, asserting that faithfulness to God’s Word should take precedence over adherence to flawed human laws. “The Constitution is a human instrument with limitations and flaws. However, the Word of God is a divine command and inerrant. Good Christians have the laws of God written in their hearts,” he added, referencing 2 Corinthians 3:3.
Reflecting on the spiritual essence of Christmas, Bishop Kukah lamented the growing secularization of the celebration, which he said increasingly focuses on commercialism rather than the core message of peace, joy, love, justice, and reconciliation brought by Jesus Christ.
“The forces of secularism are determined to empty Christmas of its core essence. It is now seen as another holiday or, at best, an opportunity for business profits. Meanwhile, our world is being ravaged by the seven deadly sins—pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth—and has lost its moral compass,” Kukah said.
He also highlighted the tragic irony of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, now engulfed by conflict. “Today, the baby Jesus lies not in the innocence of swaddling clothes in Bethlehem but in the pool of blood that has now engulfed Gaza and its surrounding communities,” he stated.
Turning his attention to Nigeria, Bishop Kukah acknowledged some progress in addressing insecurity but stressed that the nation remains far from secure. He called for a comprehensive security plan with clear timelines, linking insecurity to unemployment and violent extremism. “Insecurity is the first child of corruption. Religious extremism can only be resolved if the government prosecutes perpetrators as criminals and murderers under the law,” he said.
The Bishop also expressed sorrow over recent stampedes in Oyo State, Anambra, and Abuja, attributing these tragedies to hunger and desperation caused by government failure to address systemic issues. He urged the government to collaborate with institutions that promote the common good and ensure basic dignity for citizens.
Bishop Kukah concluded his message with prayers for the souls of those lost in recent tragedies and comfort for their families. He called on Christians to use the Christmas season as a time for reflection on the values and virtues of their faith.
