Trump is a Symptom of the disease that is in Nigeria – Kukah

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has described U.S. President Donald Trump as a “symptom of the disease that is in our country,” arguing that Trump’s rise reflects the moral and leadership challenges facing societies globally, including Nigeria.

Speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of ace journalist, Reuben Abati, in Lagos on Friday, Kukah said  “If all of us are confusing Trump, it’s a symptom. Trump is a symptom of the disease that is in our country.

“It doesn’t matter who kills the snake, whether it is a man or a woman; what matters is that the snake is dead. Whether it is Trump or someone else who has given us this opportunity for reflection, it is time for Nigeria to rise and wake up.”

The outspoken cleric urged Nigerians to look beyond personalities and instead focus on building enduring institutions and laws capable of restraining even the best leaders from misusing power.

Drawing comparisons with Ghana’s political system, Kukah noted that the West African neighbour had introduced laws requiring by-elections within 42 days when lawmakers defect from their parties, a mechanism, he said, that strengthens democracy and accountability.

“We keep saying we want good people to govern us, but what we really need are good laws to guide even the best among us,” he stated.

“A nation cannot depend on good intentions alone; it must be built on rules that protect the collective interest.”

Kukah also reflected on Nigeria’s political challenges, citing the defection of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives as an example of how constitutional ambiguities can be exploited.

He questioned what happens when the very person meant to announce defections becomes the defector, stressing the need for stronger legal clarity.

Turning to Nigeria’s judiciary, Kukah said the country’s democratic progress depends heavily on the integrity and independence of the courts.

He praised the sacrifices of men and women who have worked to sustain the nation’s democracy, while warning that moral decay and weak institutions continue to hinder national development.

“We are running on half-time already,” he remarked. “We have not yet realised our full potential. It is time for us to think more deeply about the values that shape our society and how we can strengthen them.”

Kukah urged Nigerians to move beyond despair and cynicism, stressing that with moral clarity, institutional reform, and civic courage, the country can overcome its internal contradictions.