Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Wednesday showered encomiums on the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, on his appointment into the Papal Dicastery on Promotion of Integral Human Development.

In a letter personally signed by him, dated January 19, Mr. Fayemi stated that the appointment was an unequivocal expression of Pope Francis’ confidence in Mr. Kukah’s ability to be an “impeccable advisor on a wide range of human development issues”.

The governor, a Catholic himself, described the dicastery as a perfect place for Mr. Kukah because it was one of the apostolic ministration of the papal in “reaching the weak, seeking social justice and ending all forms of practices inimical to the dignity of man.”

“It goes without saying that your role as a pastor, social commentator, public intellectual, peace-maker, interfaith conciliator and fighter for the rights of the underprivileged, readily recommend you for this latest addition to your enviable pedigree as a social justice crusader,” the governor said.

Mr. Fayemi said that he had no doubt that the bishop would bring his competence and character to bear on his new role.

“On behalf of my wife, the government and good people of Ekiti State, kindly accept my best wishes as you resume your new role,” the governor said.

Mr. Kukah has been in the firing line of President Muhammadu Buhari’s supporters over a Christmas day message wherein he gave a scathing assessment of the President’s actions.

Many of President Buhari’s supporters, like Mr. Fayemi, are adherents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. Fayemi also leads a powerful political block, the Nigeria Governors Forum.