The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has slammed the ‘invincible’ actions of the federal government amidst insecurity and economic downturn faced in the country.

Speaking at the 2021 edition of ‘The Platform’ on May 1, themed “Is the devolution of powers the solution to Nigeria’s problems?”, Kukah said that Nigerians do not feel that leaders understand and share in their pain.

He stated their thoughts are hinged on lack of action taken against criminal elements tearing through the unity of the country.

Kukah, a renowned critic of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd)-led administration, lamented the spate of insecurity in the country saying bandits, kidnappers, armed men and terrorists among others are feasting on the fragile security system of the country.

“People are dying and all we get are simple statements from Government. The government must develop a sense of empathy. I have said this severally and do not mean anything negative.

“Everywhere you turn, this is what Nigerians say, ‘that people are dying’. And we don’t get a sense that those who govern us understand and share in our pain.

“We don’t see them at the funerals, we don’t see them on condolence visit, neither do they call on phone.

“Empathy is not sympathy. Empathy is at the heart of who we are as human beings. It is what makes you want to greet somebody who is dying and put your hand over his shoulder and tell them they will be okay.

“Empathy is the feeling of the sorrow, pain of the other person, indeed entering the scheme of another person.

“It does not bring healing immediately, but there is a certain kind of psychological comfort that it gives. A woman who just loss her husband for example, you go to her and tell her she will be okay. She will nod but she knows it is not okay.

“But at least if you tell her as a priest, ‘Its okay’, she knows that somebody cares. And the point I am making is on the issue of Nigerians dying. Government has come up very-very short. And this is what is increasing the pain, the agony, sorrow on people that we are dying alone, burying our people alone, and all we get are just simple statements that really say nothing to us,” he said.