Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has reaffirmed his loyalty, commitment and faith in the Catholic Church as well as the desire to always be a good ambassador wherever he finds himself.
Governor Lalong was speaking at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos, which was held at the St. Louis Parish, Jos, with the theme: ‘‘The Eucharist our Strength Towards a Better Nigeria”.
Lalong, who spoke about the importance of the Eucharist in his life, said he continues to draw strength and inspiration from his relationship with God, as well as the teaching and upbringing he has received from the Catholic Church since childhood. He, therefore, said the events of the past week relating to his utterance which generated controversy should not be used to judge his love, respect and loyalty to the Catholic Church which strongly teaches forgiveness, tolerance, compassion and repentance.
He further said: “When there is unity, love and continuity, we can do better and greater than things for the Lord. May I appeal to my colleagues, my brothers and sisters in politics, to take a cue from the example displayed by the Catholic Church by closing ranks and seeing ourselves as God’s workers. That way, we can see Plateau State and Nigeria as God’s field and God’s building, where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose”.
Lalong also said his roots as a Catholic have shaped his thinking and enabled him to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations. Love, justice, fairness and equity he said are his principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones. He expressed the appreciation of his Government to the Archbishop and entire Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, for not only partnering with the Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advice and prayers at all times.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, in his homily stressed the significance of the Eucharist, which he said makes provision for Christians to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and work towards sacrificial service as well as being honest, diligent and kind.
Speaking on the apology tendered to the Catholic Church by Governor Lalong, the Archbishop said, “Your apology is accepted. As you know from our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it and let’s be sincere”. He said since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for him to work at making a difference in his political endeavour in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics.
While assuring him that the church will not disgrace him or allow him to fail, Archbishop Audu asked the Governor to advise the ruling party on the need for unity, national integration and carrying all segments of the country along which is the major concern being expressed by Christians on the choice of the president and vice-presidential candidate.
