Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has expressed concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria if the country fails to address its ‘bread and butter mentality.’ According to Bishop Kukah, certain fundamental issues need to be resolved for Nigerians to fully appreciate and benefit from democracy. This article will delve into the key points raised by Bishop Kukah and explore the implications of not addressing the ‘bread and butter mentality’ on Nigeria’s democratic future.
Bishop Kukah acknowledges that every Nigerian is aware of the problems facing the country. He emphasizes that even those responsible for Nigeria’s problems are not exempt from the consequences. This highlights the urgent need for collective action and a shared responsibility to address these challenges.
The bishop urges Nigerians to find their own navigational truth for development, similar to what other nations have done. He emphasizes that Nigeria cannot simply replicate the development paths of other countries but must find its unique way forward. This requires a deep understanding of the country’s specific challenges and the formulation of tailored solutions.
Bishop Kukah believes that democracy can be used as a tool for Nigeria’s development. However, he emphasizes that certain fundamental prerequisites must be in place for people to appreciate and benefit from democracy. One critical issue he highlights is the need to address the ‘bread and butter mentality.’
The ‘bread and butter mentality’ refers to a focus on immediate survival and basic needs, often at the expense of long-term development. Bishop Kukah argues that unless Nigeria resolves this issue, democracy may appear to be a mere lottery. This implies that without addressing the underlying economic challenges and ensuring a fair distribution of resources, democracy may not deliver the desired outcomes for the majority of Nigerians.
If Nigeria fails to address the ‘bread and butter mentality,’ the future of democracy in the country could be bleak. The persistence of economic challenges and inequality may erode trust in democratic institutions and processes. This could lead to disillusionment, social unrest, and a loss of faith in the ability of democracy to bring about meaningful change.