The Catholic Diocese of Warri on Saturday appealed to political actors in Delta State to ‘respect the sacred lines’ as they go about their campaigns.

The Parish Priest of St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Effurun, Delta, the Very Rev. Fr. Mark Ikeke made the appeal in a statement issued in Warri.

The church was responding to rumours that Ovie Omo-Agege, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, was not a Christian.

Mr Ikeke declared that Mr Omo-Agege was not only a Christian, but a baptised, practicing and dedicated member of the Catholic Church.

“Our attention has been drawn to a rumour that one of our parishioners, Sen. Omo-Agege, the Deputy President of the Senate is not a Christian.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Sen. Omo-Agege is a baptised, practicing and dedicated member of the Roman Catholic Church.

“He is a member of and a communicant in St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Government Reservation Area, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta,’’ Mr Ikeke said.

He added that the church recognises that this is an election season and encourages political leaders and their supporters to respect sacred lines and campaigns without hate. 

He said the purpose of the press statement was to encourage decorum and uphold the truth regarding Mr Omo-Agege’s religious identity.

“We hope and pray that our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ should thoroughly guide our actions and inactions,’’ he added.

(NAN)