The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that his meeting with Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar was to serve as witness to the peaceful reconciliation of a prolonged dispute between the two leaders.

Reacting to concerns by members of the public over his presence at the meeting, Kukah told our correspondent on Monday in Sokoto that his meeting with the two leaders was not for political reasons.

The catholic bishop said that it was strictly to support and witness their reconciliation which he has been trying for some years to achieve.

Kukah said that he had for several years made efforts to recocile both leaders without success until recently when they both agreed to meet and make peace.

He stressed that he had no idea of the PDP leaders and other people he was going to meet at the residence of the former president until he got there.

“I was not in Abeokuta to endorse Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). I fully understand the feeling of some persons who believe I travelled with Alhaji Abubakar to witness his endorsement by former president Obasanjo but this was not the case at all.

“I am a strong believer in a peaceful and united Nigeria and these ideals I strive to achieve as a priest. My instincts to always initiate reconciliation and peace were sharpened during my involvement and experience with the Oputa Panel,” he said.

Kukah said that it was imperative for him to react to the event of October 11 not only to allay the concerns of the public who may have seen the event in a different light but to set the records straight.

He said “many minds will remain set on the matter even after I have clarified and explained the actual reason for the meeting and this is to be expected; one cannot please everyone. (NAN)

• Bishop Kukah (Left); Ex-president Obasanjo; PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku; and Gumi in handshake after meeting