Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong, Thursday, admonished religious leaders to stop using their pulpits as platform for spreading division, hate and distrust amongst people.
Lalong advocated for tolerance and religious harmony as a catalyst for peace, security and good governance in Nigeria.
The governor made the admonishment at the installation and reception of pallium by the new Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Dr. Mathew Ishaya Audu, held at the Divine Mercy Cathedral, Lamingo, Jos.
In a statement by his director of press, Dr. Makut Macham, Lalong said Most. Rev. Mathew Audu has demonstrated that his calling is divine and that he is totally committed to ensuring that the will of God is implemented in Plateau state and the world at large through the Church.
Lalong said Rev. Audu has made personal sacrifices to ensuring that all challenges are addressed to make the propagation of the gospel of Christ seamless.
He said, “While it is the duty of religious leaders to speak the truth to power and the public, you should also beware of, and shun rhetorics that promote hate, division, and distrust among the people.
“You should guard against politicians and other interests that are always desperate to exploit the pulpit for their selfish reasons.
“The people look up to you for guidance and motivation that guarantees a united, equitable and prosperous society where the rights and privileges of all are guaranteed.”
