The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, highlighting the pervasive ‘bread and butter’ mentality that hinders its progress. He made these comments during a keynote speech at the third annual national public lecture of the First News Newspaper held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Kukah stressed that many Nigerians do not fully appreciate democratic principles because fundamental needs are not adequately met. He also pointed out that Nigeria faces unique challenges in its development journey, including economic hardship, corruption, and political instability.
He mentioned that despite Nigeria’s difficulties, the nation has not embraced democracy in a manner that fosters true development. Kukah believes that, before democracy can effectively drive progress, certain foundational issues, such as addressing the “bread and butter mentality,” must be resolved.
The bishop emphasized that the “bread and butter mentality” relates to the basic needs and economic stability of the populace. Without addressing these concerns, democracy can seem like a game of chance rather than a means of improving the lives of Nigerians.
Kukah’s remarks also touched on the role of Africa in global affairs and the need for Nigeria to find its unique path to development, rather than replicating the experiences of other nations. He acknowledged that while challenges exist, it is essential to explore how democracy can contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
The governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, who was represented at the event, urged Nigerians to embrace their heritage and contribute to the nation’s development. He stressed that the nation’s youth hold the key to unlocking its potential for growth and progress.
The event also featured discussions on the impact of digital revolutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital currency, on businesses. The speaker encouraged individuals to leverage technology to improve their financial situations.
The public lecture aimed to provide a platform for addressing Nigeria’s social and economic challenges and finding solutions to promote the nation’s development.