In a recent speech during the commissioning of Start-Rite schools and the fourth Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, openly criticized President Bola Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari, labeling them as accidental leaders lacking in essential governance knowledge.
According to Mr. Kukah, Nigerian presidents have historically come into power unexpectedly, with Tinubu and Buhari being no exception. He pointed out that even past leaders like Goodluck Jonathan, Umar Yar’adua, and Olusegun Obasanjo were ill-prepared for their roles when they assumed office.
Mr. Kukah specifically highlighted Tinubu’s struggles in the presidency, despite his claims of being prepared for the position. He also mentioned that Buhari had already given up before Tinubu took over, further emphasizing the lack of leadership capability in Nigeria’s top officials.
The bishop stressed the importance of knowledge in governance, stating that leaders must have a deep understanding of their environment in order to effectively lead their country. He concluded by noting that while the world has changed, the expectations of leadership remain the same.
Also present at the event was the NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa, who echoed Mr. Kukah’s sentiments by emphasizing the need to instill discipline and leadership qualities in children from a young age. Marwa attributed Nigeria’s societal issues to failed leadership and a lack of accountability from those in power.