Nigeria’s democracy lacks values, principles —Bishop Kukah

By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado-Ekiti

The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has raised concerns over the weak values and principles underpinning democracy in Nigeria, warning that the country’s democratic system thrives despite persistent contradictions and a lack of meaningful change.

Bishop Kukah delivered the warning during the 10th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), where he was also conferred with an honorary degree.

He stressed that democracy must be understood and protected because it remains the most viable framework for societal stability. “Democracy is not perfect, but it is preferable to alternatives,” he said, citing Winston Churchill.

Kukah highlighted that despite protests, court actions, and civil society efforts, political systems in Nigeria often continue without accountability. He added that democracy, as an equal-opportunity system, allows nations to thrive, but institutional culture and citizen attitudes in Nigeria have yet to fully align with democratic ideals.

“There are people who grumble, people who are taken to prison, people who end up as widows, and people in civil society who protest or go to court, yet everything continues as usual. Even when over 80 or 90 per cent of votes are not fully accounted for, normalcy returns,” Kukah said.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the principles of democracy and hold political leaders accountable, noting that empty promises have often hindered genuine national progress.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, congratulated FUOYE on its achievements, describing it as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing universities. Ribadu encouraged graduates to apply their knowledge toward national development and highlighted ongoing federal government efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism through international collaboration.

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, also lauded the university’s staff and students for their support during his tenure, urging graduates to leverage their education as a springboard for success in a competitive labour market.

The convocation ceremony celebrated the graduation of 7,684 students, including 7,396 undergraduates and 288 postgraduate students, with 131 first-class graduates across faculties.

Bishop Kukah’s remarks and the ceremony underscored the importance of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and education in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

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