GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES CHRISTIANS TO DEMONSTRATE LOVE AS PLATEAU GOVERNMENT HOUSE CHAPEL HOSTS CHRISTMAS CAROL

GOVERNOR LALONG CHARGES CHRISTIANS TO DEMONSTRATE LOVE AS PLATEAU GOVERNMENT HOUSE CHAPEL HOSTS CHRISTMAS CAROL

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has attended the Carol of 9 lessons at the Government House Chapel Rayfield Jos with a charge to Christians to demonstrate love to others without discrimination just as Jesus Christ did during his mission on earth. 

Statement made available to this medium and was signed by Dr. Makut Simon Macham 

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor stated that Governor Lalong said Christmas is a season that rekindles hope despite the challenges that the nation is passing through. 

He said rather than be overwhelmed, Nigerians should be strengthened by the fact that Christ came to the world to give assurance of victory and hope over evil and death.

He said "the essence of our faith as Christians is to demonstrate God’s love to one another including those who do not share the same background with us. Jesus Christ showed us this example very strongly by loving and associating with those who were considered “sinners” during mission on earth.

As believers, it is our duty to ensure that we follow His footsteps by embracing people from every background and tolerating one another. So long as people are ready to abide by the laws of the land and respect the culture and traditions of Plateau State, they are welcome to live and pursue legitimate businesses in the State".

Lalong however said those who have criminal intentions and work with the aim to destabilise society and cause pain should be rejected. 

He asked the people to be wary of those who try to use religion, ethnicity and politics to create crises in the State particularly during the political season. 

He also used the event to advise the citizens of the need to participate actively in the political process towards electing credible leaders.

"My brothers and sisters, this Christmas is coming at a time when political campaigns are in top gear in the country ahead of the 2023 general elections. Let me use this opportunity to remind us that we have a duty to participate in ensuring that we elect leaders that will govern us. I encourage all those who registered and have not collected their PVCs to do so as the process in ongoing. Let us also encourage our people to embrace peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections as politics is not war and should not be a trigger for violence and hatred. We know that it is God who gives power to whomsoever he pleases. Eventually those who emerge victorious will still remain our brothers and sisters and have the duty to work for the good of our State and country".

In a Sermon, the Chaplain, Government House Chapel Rayfield Rev. Fr. Godfrey Gopep said although Christmas is celebrated globally with varying degrees of merriment, many people are yet to fully grasp the significance of the season or practice the lifestyle of Christ. 

He urged Christians to accord the event its spiritual significance and work hard to share with others who are poor and underprivileged. 

He asked for consolidation of peace particularly as it relates to interfaith relations especially in Plateau State where the days of agony and violence have been largely overcome. 

Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State Chapter Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo said the essence of Christmas is for the followers of Jesus Christ to show the light that he brought to the world. 

Different musical groups presented songs while the 9 lessons were taken by personalities including the Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden and wife of the Governor Mrs. Regina Lalong.