NIGERIA: In response to a controversial proposal by the House of Representatives mandating compulsory voting in Nigeria, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, did not hold back.
He slammed the idea, questioning the priorities of the lawmakers and accusing them of failing to address basic needs like hunger and poverty before enforcing civic duties, reports Opera News.
Bishop Kukah described the compulsory voting bill as misguided and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. “That’s absolute nonsense. I mean, why don’t you compel the state to feed Nigerians first? Look, people make their choices,” he said, expressing his frustration.
He emphasized that voting should be a voluntary act based on trust in leadership, not something imposed by force. He criticized members of the House of Representatives for living in luxury while the masses suffer.
He pointed to allegations that lawmakers pocket billions of naira under the guise of constituency projects, with little to show for it. According to Kukah, politicians lack the moral standing to lecture citizens about their civic duties when they themselves are not transparent or accountable.
“To talk about compelling Nigerians, you are sitting in the House of Assembly… Are you going to sit in that comfort and preach to me? Preach about what? That I should go and vote for what?” he asked pointedly, highlighting the disconnect between the government and the governed.
He concluded by urging politicians to make politics noble and respectable—only then would Nigerians feel motivated to participate willingly in elections.
