The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Revd Matthew Audu, says the church has forgiven Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State over his recent comment on the Pope.
He disclosed that the governor’s “apology has been accepted.”
Audu made the disclosure yesterday at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos, at the St. Louis Parish Jos with the theme ‘‘The Eucharist our Strength Towards a Better Nigeria”.
He implored the governor to work at making a difference in politics, stressing that the Church encourages members to go into politics and not do anything to disgrace the church.
The Archbishop underscored the significance of the Eucharist that makes provision for Christians to follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and work towards sacrificial service, honesty diligent and kindness.
On the apology to the Catholic Church by Governor Lalong, he said, “Your apology is accepted.
“As you know, our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it.”
He noted that since the Church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for the Governor to work at making a difference in politics in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics.
While assuring him that the Church will not allow him to fail, Archbishop Audu asked the Governor to “advise the ruling 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 candidates.”
Speaking, Governor 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 and stressed the importance of the Eucharist in his life.