Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, says Nigerians can go to war with countrymen because of religion.
Kukah said this on Monday at the 9th Toyin Falola Annual International Conference held at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
The bishop, delivering the keynote address, said Nigeria would continue to perform below expectations if she continues to mismanage her plurality.
“We are carrying Western identity, whether it is Christianity or Islam. This identity has continued to play out in our daily lives.
“Only in Nigeria we can go to war because of religion. We are not going to go to war because of no water; we are not going to go to war because we don’t have roads.
“We are not going to go to war because we don’t have decent housing; we are not going to go to war because of a lack of salary; we are not going to go to war because of injustice; but we can go to war in the name of God,” he said.
Kukah said most countries with substantial Muslim and Christian population have not known peace.
“Nigeria seems to be like a polygamist, who is married with two wives. Somehow, Christians are complaining that they are treating Muslims better, Muslims are complaining that they are treating Christians better.
“But nobody is complaining whether religion is getting its due. But my argument is that unless religion through some of us who are leaders and practitioners find itself rescued from the clutches of politics and politicians, the wrong notion will continue as it is in Nigeria. Somehow, religion will be a problem,” he said.
