Kaigama discharged his pastoral duties with excellence – Lalong

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong yesterday appealed to our spiritual fathers across all religions to exercise great restrain in using the pulpit for politics and attack on government.

He made this known while speaking at an interfaith banquet in honour of Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Ignatius Kaigama and outgoing Archbishop of Jos .

Lalong said “Because of the huge responsibility you carry as God’s representatives, there are many ways you can reach government with observations, suggestions or criticisms without necessarily sounding inciting or misleading.”

“Our doors are always open to receive constructive criticisms and we remain ready to explain our decisions and seek counsel on various issues, as well as make adjustments where we see reason. “

“May I begin by appreciating God Almighty and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for this opportunity to address you at this very significant event that evokes mixed feelings.
“I say mix feelings because it is a moment for celebration and at the same time a moment for painful goodbye to a man who is a father, friend, peace builder, reconciliator, and above all God’s servant.”

“We are gathered here this day to bid farewell to His Grace, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama who has been in Plateau State Shepherding God’s people in the Catholic Church for the past 19 years.

“Your Grace, from the day His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed you as the Archbishop of Jos Diocese, you never looked back and indeed you buried yourself among the people of Plateau State serving not only the Catholic Church, but all denominations and other faiths.”

“In the period spanning 19 years, one can safely say you have seen it all. This is more so when we add your years of journey to priesthood at the St. Augustine’s Seminary here in Jos. By all standards, you are Plateau and Plateau is you. We give God all the Glory.

” Your Grace, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, like many people in Plateau State and elsewhere, I was not surprised when the Holy Father, Pope Francis appointed you as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese. We believed then as we still do today, that it was through the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

” In the many decades of tending to the Lord’s flock in the various appointments, Archbishop Kaigama has discharged his pastoral duties with excellence, compassion and passion. Indeed he has demonstrated the fact that he is a thorough-bread spiritual leader that is always interested in unifying all faiths and fostering reconciliation among people of different affiliations. “

” On this, we in Plateau State can testify that we have tasted your compassion and confirm your genuine efforts to foster peace and build understanding among people of different religions, tribes and political persuasions.”
“For the many years that our State was embroiled in widespread conflict that caused so much havoc, God used you in many ways towards halting the situation and reconciling people to the point that today, we have substantial peace in Plateau. “

” We recall the great work you have been doing as the Founder of the Dialogue, Reconciliation, and Peace Centre as well as the Chairman of the Plateau State Inter-Religious Council for Peace and Harmony which you started with the late Emir of Wase, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi. The sacrifices of your years of toiling and perseverance have saved lives and rebuilt shattered hopes among many of our people.”

” On the national stage, the Archbishop’s interreligious work as a founding member of Nigeria’s Interfaith Activity & Partnership for Peace has facilitated the creation of a credible and trusted platform for dialogue between people of different faiths as well as stemming tension between Christians and Muslims.”

” Archbishop Kaigama has been fearless in standing up for the truth and for the Christian Faith in all the assignments he has been given either as President of the Nigerian Bishops Conference; President of the Episcopal Conference of West African Catholic Bishops or the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria. “

He further said “We can remember vividly the role you played in facilitating the enactment of the legislation to outlaw same-sex marriage in Nigeria despite the enormous pressure and blackmail mounted by some Western Governments using aid as a bait. The same energy you exerted against disproportionate emphasis on contraception is still fresh in our minds.”

“These are just some of the few things we can mention that have endeared you to our hearts in Plateau State as you have consistently prayed for us and led the Catholic Faithful with dignity and the fear of God.”

” All through our dark days, you never rested on your oars as a spiritual father whose mission is primarily to teach and preach the gospel, bring people to God and above all encourage people to love to one another.”

” For me personally as Governor of Plateau State, you have been the shoulder to lean on when it seems there is no solution to very serious challenges. You have not only given me and my Administration a listening ear, but also prayed for me and given me Godly counsel. I am very grateful Your Grace.”

“That is why I said earlier that this is a day of mixed feelings because if wishes were horses, we would appeal to the Vatican to allow you stay longer with us on the Plateau. But we cannot change the calling of God in your life and all we can do is to pray for you that you will achieve greater things than you did while with us here.”

“We are deeply sure that while in Abuja, you use every privilege and opportunity to speak for Plateau State when the need arises. The work you have started here especially regarding peace and reconciliation will not die, rather, it will receive greater impetus.”

” In our human frailty, we believe the experiences Your Grace has gathered over the years would equip you for the task ahead, and it is our earnest prayer that your next destination in the service of God will somewhere higher than where you are heading to.”

“Your Grace, you have re-enforced in my heart an indelible virtue that will stay with me forever, which is to treat people with dignity and fairness irrespective of their differences. This you have told me severally including during my Election Victory Thanksgiving Service at COCIN Headquarters Church where you told me that my victory was not for one religion, denomination or tribe.”

” This counsel has guided me thus far and has largely helped in the attainment of the peace we are enjoying today. My assurance to you and all is that I will not depart from this path as we continue to pursue our Rescue Agenda for Plateau State.”

” I will like to use this opportunity to thank all spiritual fathers on the Plateau for their continued prayers and support to our administration. We are indeed grateful and will not let you down.”

Let’s continue to work together in building a better Plateau for this generation and the next.

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Kaigama Discharged His Pastoral Duties With Excellence – Gov. Lalong