Kukah: Despite my frequent criticisms, Buhari still answers my calls

Rev Father Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has said despite his criticism of the Buhari administration, the president has not stopped picking his calls.

The cleric, who is one of the notable critics of the government of the day, has on several occasions, accused the president of nepotism.

• Buhari signs N17.127 trn 2022 budget
• Oyetola reconstructs 13.15km Ada-Igbajo road after 30-year neglect

Addressing journalists at St Bakhita Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto, on Friday, Kukah said he has maintained a cordial relationship with the president.

Kukah added that his concern with the rising insecurity, killings in the country and “despotism” prompted his criticism of the administration rather than hatred.

“If I pick up my phone and call Mr President now he will pick it up. The other time he missed my calls he called me back and we greeted each other.

“But you know some people cry more than the bereaved. In a developed country, when you speak the truth you will be celebrated. Look at how people are celebrating the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, but here people tag you as an enemy of the government.”

Kukah also endorsed the refusal of the President to assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, noting that political parties should be given the chance of how they will select candidates for election.