President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, has deemed wrong, the ultimatum issued to Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Catholic Diocese to leave the state over his criticism of the president.

Mr. Shehu in a statement on Wednesday evening defended Mr. Kukah’s right to air his opinion even though it is ‘insensitive.’

The spokesman noted that while Mr. Kukah’s remarks against the government and President Buhari could have been anti- muslim rhetoric,  the Muslim Solidarity Forum would have to let it go, and uphold the country’s multi-religious history. 

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity. The right for all religions to coexist is enshrined in this country’s Constitution. The duty of the government, more so, this democratic government, is to ensure that the Constitution is respected,” Mr. Shehu asserted in his statement. 

By law, Mr. Shehu noted, groups or factions could not issue quit notices to individuals. Only the courts could settle such disputes. 

Mr. Kukah had in his Christmas homily accused President Muhammadu Buhari of nepotism, noting that there could have been a coup in the country if a non-northern president had done a fraction of what the current administration has. 

The Catholic bishop was asked to apologize to the Muslim Ummah over his recent “malicious comments” against Islam, or quietly and quickly leave the state.