Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos has urged Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau to continue to promote and maintain peace and preserve Plateau unity during his second tenure.
Kaigama who is also the Coadjutor of the Abuja Archdiocese, made the call in a congratulatory letter to Lalong on his re-election made available to newsmen by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Mark Longyen.
Kaigama also called on the governor to be magnanimous in victory and extend his hand of fellowship to his opponents who lost to him.
“I write on behalf of myself, the clergy, the religious and the entire laity of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos, to congratulate you on this feat and to rejoice with you on this act of confidence placed on you by the people of Plateau State.
“We wish you every success as you are set to begin your second tenure as Governor.
“We are confident that the trust placed in you by the citizens of Plateau will inspire you to continue in your efforts of promoting the unity of the state, leading it to the path of prosperity, further wellbeing and security for the people.
“I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign; leave your doors open to the contributions of those political affiliations which may be different from yours,” he added.
He noted that the task before the governor would be hectic, but expressed confidence that God who has returned him to the seat would provide the governor with the enabling grace to promote peace, social awareness and reconciliation.
Kaigama also urged Lalong to continue to work in accordance with his administration’s people-oriented programs, especially at the grassroots level.
He said, doing so would engender the desired catalyst for the state’s social and economic development.
He assured the governor of the sincere support of the Catholic family of the Archdiocese to his administration to bring about peace, democratic, political and economic reforms.
Kaigama, however, appealed to those who contested against the governor and lost to extend their hands of fellowship to the governor and government of the state
The cleric added that collaborating with Lalong was for the common good of all Plateau people rather than for personal or group material interests.===NAN
