Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Dioceses, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has decried the rate at which cruelty is speedily taking over the human minds so much to a point that, some harbingers of death have no single respect left for human lives.
Kukah, who insisted that the ever increasing spate of killings in Nigeria is a manifestation that, human lives is being equated with that of animals, added that, we should be concerned about the peace of others.
Speaking during the official unveiling of a book written by a seasoned broadcaster, Matthews Otalike titled, “Forgiveness: God’s Perfect Gift To Humanity”, Bishop Kukah opined that how we treat perceived enemies remained a manifestation of how we treat ourselves.
Kukah said, “The book as written by Matthews Otalike is very apt, especially with the present situation that we find ourselves as a country. Many people thinks is only Priest or Preachers that should be talking about forgiveness when it’s everybody’s business as well.
“Most times, because the human mind has become contaminated with unprocessed anger and bitterness, it therefore often becomes the genesis of long term hatred.
“But most pathetically, human lives and that of animals is gradually becoming the same in Nigeria, as human lives is no longer considered sacred.
“And most importantly, it’s a known fact that, how we treat our enemies is simply but a manifestation of how we treat ourselves. Therefore, somebody’s peace should concern us as children of God”.
Speaking about the author of the book, Bishop Kukah said, “Mr. Otalike’s excellent and penetrating insights into the theme of reconciliation are as edifying as they are a source of hope for many.
“He both teaches and counsels the reader. The book, “Forgiveness: God’s Perfect Gift To Humanity” wrestles with the difficulties surrounding forgiveness especially given the depth of injury and accepts that it is not an easy path.
“He draws attention to the murderous excesses of Boko Haram, herdsmen, armed robbers, Kidnappers and accepts the challenging difficulties of dealing with forgiveness”.
While reviewing the 9 chapter of 215 pages book, Rev. Father Lawrence of the JDPC, Sokoto Catholic Dioceses said, it’s simply but an irresistible master-piece for all human beings, as forgiveness remained the corner stone of peaceful coexistence.
The author, Matthews Otalike, a training consultant on leadership and management with over four decades experience as a marriage counsellor said until humanity embraces the virtue of forgiveness, the world will continue to have unresolved problems.
Other books written by the seasoned broadcaster who retired from NTA as a Director include, “The Healing Power Of Forgiveness, Dynamic Leadership, Renew The Face Of The Earth and Listening To God.
