‘She’ll be remembered as a moral force’ — Kukah mourns Queen Elizabeth II

Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, has described the late Queen Elizabeth II as a committed royal leader who was well-loved for her sincerity and sense of purpose.

Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday. She was aged 96 and was the longest-serving British monarch at the time of her death.

Kukah said as a leader, the late queen was well-respected because of the enormous goodwill she brought into governance.

“She was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in to lead the Commonwealth of Nations effectively,” he said.

“The beautiful and genteel face of Queen Elizabeth had long become etched in public memory across generations.

“She ascended the throne the year I was born and died on a significant date September 8 which is the birthday of the Blessed Virginia Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ.

“It also marked my 11th episcopal ordination anniversary.”

He said the impact of the late queen went beyond the UK and Commonwealth.

“She will be remembered as a moral force in world that has become severely fractured by hatred and other forms of extremism,” he said.

“Queen Elizabeth’s reign covered a period of massive social, economic, technological and political change.

“It saw the transformation of the once global British Empire into a Commonwealth of 52 independent nations headed by the queen and the country’s entrance into and exit from the European Union.

“Fifteen prime ministers served under Elizabeth, from Winston Churchill on her accession to the throne in 1952 to Liz Truss.”

Kukah prayed to God to be merciful to her soul.