DSS invites Bishop Kukah for saying Buhari is soft on terrorism, banditry

The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah for questioning, days after the vocal priest criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to curb nationwide insecurity, Peoples Gazette reports.

Kukah had slammed Buhari in his Christmas sermon, saying the president has failed to show competence as terrorists, bandits and other criminals embark on a coordinated and relentless rampage across the country.

“We also have lost count of hundreds of individuals and families who have been kidnapped and live below the radar of publicity. Does the President of Nigeria not owe us an explanation and answers as to when the abductions, kidnappings, brutality, senseless, and endless massacres of our citizens will end? We need urgent answers to these questions,” he had said.

The priest’s comment, which was only the latest amongst several scathing criticisms he had directed at the president in recent years, drew criticism from President Buhari’s supporters.

According to Peoples Gazette, a top source revealed that the secret police ordered Kukah to appear at its headquarters for questioning. Kukah had, however yet to honour the invitation as of Saturday afternoon.

A spokesman for The Kukah Centre did not immediately return a request seeking comments on Saturday afternoon.

DSS spokesman declined to answer questions from The Gazette about the development.