Same Faith Ticket: Lalong Apologises, Regrets Pope’s Reference Hype

BY EDMOND ODOK – In a desperate bid to ward off scathing criticisms and attacks over comments referencing the Pope in his choice as Director-General of the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Organisation, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State insists no disrespect was meant to the revered Office of the Catholic Pontiff.

According to the Governor, his reference to the Pope is a mark of reverence, not ridicule as perceived by some Nigerians, and regretted that part of the interview granted in Abuja has unfortunately been promoted as ‘propaganda by politicians’

A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham, in Jos, the Plateau State capital quoted Governor Lalong as saying that he has the highest regard for Christians as well as the Church Authority and will continue to work hard in promoting the interests of Christians and adherents of other religions.

The statement said; “Governor Simon Lalong has said that contrary to insinuations and misconceptions being imputed into his interview granted to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa where he explained that as a Catholic and a Papal Knight, the Pope has not told him that accepting the position of Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council was wrong, the statement was out of reverence and not disregard for the Holy Father, Catholic Church or Christianity.

“It was unfortunate that part of the interview has been excised and used by politicians for propaganda and misinformation about his personality, faith, and political persuasion.”

The statement further quoted Governor Lalong as saying; “My reference to the Holy Father, the Pope was to emphasize that as a Christian born and raised in the Catholic faith, accepting the assignment given to me by my party, the APC of which I am a founding member, does not in any way remove my faith in Jesus Christ or my commitment to the Church in Nigeria and universally.

“He reiterates that he has the highest regard for Christians and Church Authority and will continue to work hard in promoting the interests of Christians and adherents of other religions based on love, justice, equity, and fairness which are encouraged in the Holy Bible and the Constitution of Nigeria.”

Specifically addressing the contentious issue of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Plateau State Chief Executive said; “Although he understands and appreciates the concerns of Christians over the emergence of Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC presidential candidate and the choice of Vice presidential nominee, Senator Kashim Shettima also a Muslim, the situation does not warrant Christians within the party leaving the party or refusing to accept responsibilities because being within a system makes it easy to address grievances than being outside.

“The emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not on a religious basis as even Christians voted for him during the APC Primaries.”

Going forward, the statement said the governor is also appealing “to Nigerians, irrespective of religious persuasions, to unite and work towards addressing the major challenges of the nation by actively participating in the political process and ensuring they push forward their interests rather than allowing religious sentiments to override their desire to assess issues from a wholistic perspective.”