Archbishop Matthew Audu of the Archdiocese of Jos has advised Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State to always consult widely before taking any critical decision.
He equally told the governor that his apology over recent comments on the Pope has been accepted but warned that it should be sincere.
Audu gave the advice in his sermon at the opening mass for the 2022 General Assembly of the archdiocese on Tuesday in Jos.
The Prelate said the church usually encourages its members to go into politics to make a difference and stand for truth, justice and fairness at all times.
”Since our President has accepted your apology, so goes with all of us Bishops but let this be a sincere apology and not that you are buying time.
”Yes, we encourage Catholics to go into politics to a make difference, but where you cannot make a difference, learn to say no.
”As a leader, learn to consult widely before taking any critical decision,” he advised.
Audu advised Nigerians, particularly Catholics to desist from making unpalatable statements against the governor and urged them to pray for him at all times.
On the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the APC, the archbishop advised politicians to desist from actions that would further tear the country apart.
Earlier in his address, Governor Simon Lalong tendered an apology to the Catholic Bishops over his recent comment on the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
DAILY POST recalls that the Governor had recently said the Pope had approved his appointment as Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of his Party (APC).
The Governor, who also maintained that he is human and could make mistakes anytime, seek forgiveness from Catholics all over the world over his ”imperfection”.
Lalong, however, thanked the Catholic Church for playing key roles in achieving the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state and urged the church not to relent in supporting the government’s policies and programmes.
He urged politicians in the state to unite and work toward the progress and development of the state, insisting that such unity is needed for the growth of the state.
”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 and Nigeria as God’s field and a building where we can all play our roles in fulfilling His purpose.
”Speaking for myself, I can say that my roots as a Catholic have shaped my thinking in this regard and enabled me to see governance as a duty to serve the people irrespective of their differences and affiliations.
”Love, justice, fairness and equity are my principal considerations at all times when decisions need to be taken, particularly difficult ones,” Lalong said.
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