Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has come under heavy criticism on social media after appearing on Arise Television, where he was perceived to have defended Bola Tinubu’s government.
Public commentator Obiasogu David triggered the debate when he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The once-admired and fiery critic of the government, Bishop Kukah, bought airtime to appear on Arise TV, dressed in his bishop’s cassock, flew to Abuja, went to Arise, and sat down to defend Tinubu’s mess. How are the mighty fallen!”
The post quickly went viral, drawing hundreds of responses from Nigerians who accused Kukah of abandoning his long-standing criticism of the government in exchange for proximity to power.
Some users linked his position to his past association with NADECO, the pro-democracy coalition that included Tinubu. One commentator, Masu Zafi, explained, “Matthew Hassan Kukah (commonly referred to as Bishop Matthew Kukah) is linked to NADECO as an ally in Nigeria’s pro-democracy efforts, though not as a formal member.”
Others accused the cleric of being compromised. User Olamilekan A. wrote, “With Tinubu, there is absolutely nothing he cannot buy with money; just name the price.”
Another reaction from Al_245 ADD read: “As an admirer of Bishop Kukah, I felt totally betrayed by his current position. It’s obvious he has shifted ground not on conviction but maybe to be in the good books of the state.”
Some Nigerians, however, cautioned against putting unrealistic expectations on religious leaders. The Repair Man argued, “You all be sitting at home, dancing on TikTok, streaming nonsense, or being a nuisance on social media and expecting that it’s one old man or old people that would be there defending democracy for you. Nobody is going to save you… Your messiah must be one of you young people.”
The criticisms also reignited broader concerns about elites switching positions once they are accommodated by the state. Akinmolayan Abiodun remarked, “Many Nigerian elites that are crying that Nigeria is not good is because they have not taste national cake and immediately they taste it or lay hands on it, the story and the music change.”
While a few voices defended the Bishop, insisting that he had not openly endorsed Tinubu, the overwhelming reaction described his Arise TV appearance as a betrayal of Nigerians struggling under the current administration.
The controversy underscores growing public frustration with the perceived co-option of critics by Tinubu’s government, a recurring theme that has shaped political debates since 2023.
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