The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has while calling for the arrest of those who have threatened Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, warned an Islamic group that issued ultimatum to the Bishop, that no one has the monopoly of violence.
SOKAPU made the warning known at a World Press Briefing held at its new office complex in Kaduna, in the text of the briefing, read by its President, Honourable Jonathan Asake.
“Those who have threatened Bishop Kukah ought to be arrested and be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“For the Islamic group that issued out a threat and an ultimatum on the Bishop, we must warn here that nobody has a monopoly of violence and nothing should happen to Bishop Kukah,” the group warned.
SOKAPU noted that those who call on the government to rise up and do their jobs are not criminals; but patriots who are genuinely interested in the unity and wellbeing of citizens.
“The anger and threats that are being issued against the revered Bishop was never served on the Sultan, emirs and NEF which clearly shows the discriminatory posture of this government.
“SOKAPU stands with Bishop Kukah and others who before him had called to attention the subtle and continuing annihilation of our communities,” the group affirmed.
Speaking further, SOKAPU explained that the people of Southern Kaduna have continued to bear the pains of discriminatory practices aimed at diminishing their status as Nigerian citizens.
“In the light of these grievous infractions on our rights, we have taken solace that just as the dawn follows the night, this present darkness of hopelessness that is enveloping our nation will soon fizzle out.
“As a union, we hold this fact as incontestable, that all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic and religious divides, have the inalienable right to criticise government with the sole intention of promoting inclusivity for all citizens,” the group added.