Archbishop Matthew Audu of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos says Christians should stay away from a political platform where they cannot make a difference.

”Yes, we encourage Catholics to go into politics to make a difference, but where you cannot make a difference, learn to say no,” Mr Audi said during the church’s general assembly on Tuesday in Jos.

”As a leader, learn to consult widely before taking any critical decision,” he added.

The cleric was responding to an apology by Plateau State governor Simon Lalong, a Catholic adherent, who had been under fire for an improper reference to Catholic Holy Father, Pope Francis.

The governor had recently said that the Pope endorsed his appointment as the Director General of the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The comment didn’t go down well with the majority of Catholics and Christians alike, especially as there has been standing resistance against his party’s decision to fly a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 election. 

But Mr Lalong, who was at the event, claimed  that his comment was misconstrued to be disrespectful to the Pope. 

“I have apologised, I hope my apology is granted and I’m forgiven. I feel very fine now and as we go forward I will be more careful,” Mr Lalong appealed. 

“Anytime I make mistakes, I don’t feel ashamed to seek forgiveness and this is why in the Catholic Church we go to the priests for confession every Saturday.”

Mr Audu said the governor’s apology has been accepted by the church.

”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,” he said.

He said that the church encouraged its members to go into politics to make difference and stand for truth, justice and fairness at all times. 

On the APC Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, the archbishop advised politicians to desist from actions that would further tear the country apart.

(NAN)