The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, the Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu has declared that the apology tendered by Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has been accepted.
Archbishop Audu, who stated this at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos held at the St. Louis Parish Jos, with the theme; ‘‘The Eucharist our Strength Towards a Better Nigeria”, said the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted Lalong’s apology and so it goes for all of the other Bishops that have accepted it with all sincerity.
This was as Governor Simon Bako Lalong 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.
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, appealed that the events of the past week relating to his utterances 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.
A statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, quoted Lalong as having said that when there is unity, love, and continuity, the people can do better and greater things for the Lord.
In the words of Lalong; “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,” he said.
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.
He said that love, justice, fairness, and equity are his principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones, adding; “We need this more than before in view of our elections coming up in 2023. I urge the Church to continue to pray for the success of the elections and also encourage the people to participate actively and peacefully.
“Staying away will only give room for the emergence of bad leaders that may not be suitable for the challenges of nation-building.”
The Governor expressed the appreciation of his administration to the Archbishop and the entire Catholic Archdiocese of Jos for not only partnering with Government in several areas, but also offering encouragement, advice, and prayers at all times.
Archbishop 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.
He said that since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for Governor Lalong 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 urged the Governor to advise the All Progressives Congress (APC), 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.
