Presidency dismisses bishop’s criticism, says corruption cannot be defeated

The Nigerian presidency has responded to criticism from Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, stating that it is impossible to “defeat” corruption.

Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, made the statement in an interview with Channels TV on Monday.

In his Easter message, Bishop Kukah had raised questions about President Buhari’s campaign promise to “defeat corruption,” among other failed campaign rhetoric.

However, Adesina dismissed the cleric’s comment, stating that no country in the world has ever defeated corruption, including those with a history of prosecuting or executing corrupt government officials.

Adesina expressed disappointment with Bishop Kukah’s choice of words.

He said; “Defeating corruption, which country ever defeats corruption? Which country ever defeats corruption? Even China that executes for corruption. The fact that they keep executing shows that no country ever defeats corruption. You can curb it. But he used the word defeating corruption, I think Father Kukah is rather disappointing in those choice of words”.

President Buhari was elected to power in 2015 on three major promises, which included ending corruption, tackling insecurity, and promoting Nigeria’s economic growth.

However, according to the 2021 report by Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria scored only 24 out of 100 points, ranking 154 out of 180 countries during the APC-led government.

Bishop Kukah is not the only religious leader to criticize the Buhari administration’s handling of corruption.

The senior pastor of Citadel Global Community Church, Tunde Bakare, has also stated that corruption has become more rampant under President Buhari’s watch

“If because of insecurity and corruption, we voted Jonathan out and now insecurity is worse, corruption is much more deadly now, what do you think should happen?” he said.