By Peter Ajayi Dada • Catholic News Service • Posted January 22, 2014

LAGOS, NIGERIA (CNS) — Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto commended President Goodluck Jonathan for signing a law prohibiting all types of same-sex relationships.

In a meeting with journalists Jan. 20, the bishop also thanked the National Assembly for passing the bill.

“As far as I am concerned, anybody who lives in Nigeria and most parts of Africa know that culturally, religiously and morally this is not our life and culture,” he said.

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Jonathan signed the law Jan. 16. It makes same-sex marriage and same-sex relationships punishable offenses.

Bishop Kukah appealed to Nigerians to continue to showcase the country and promote unity across cultures and urged the media to focus on issues that could unite Nigerians.

For years, Nigeria has been riddled by violence, largely fueled by Boko Haram, a sect that seeks to impose strict Islamic law. Christian churches and schools have been the group’s primary targets.