The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama has decried lack of motorable roads in Benue state with a charge on Governor Samuel Ortom to liaise with the federal government to rise up to their responsibilities.
Archbishop Kaigama who made this call at the installation of Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu as the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, also condemned the persecution and killing of innocent Christians especially Catholic Priests in the country by terrorists describing the attacks as unfortunate.
Kaigama who noted that most roads in the state, including federal ones, were in deplorable conditions, urged the governor to take proactive measures to ensure that the roads are constructed.
He told Government Ortom that those he cannot do, he should take them to the federal government for necessary action.
Kaigama said, “The condition of roads in the state are very bad even the road to this place, Katsina Ala, venue of the event is also bad. As I was coming here, I observed how bad the road is. I urge Governor Samuel Ortom to construct these roads to make them motorable.
“The ones he cannot do, he should take them to the federal government to come and do them and even link them to my state in Taraba state so that when I retire, I will drive on them home”.
Archbishop Kaigama who called for sustained prayers to end killing and abduction of Catholic priests, lamented the growing insecurity situation ravaging states in the country and called for a stop to the practice.
He warned christians in the Diocese against divisive tendencies that would lead to crisis in the church advisory them to rather work in harmony with Bishop Dugu for peace and development of the church and the country at large.
Speaking, Governor Samuel Ortom acknowledged the deplorable condition of roads especially the Gboko-Katsina road and promised to take the matter to the presidency for necessary action.
The governor commended the cordial working relationship between his administration and the church and pledged his continued support and partnership for the development of the state.
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Paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, commended Governor Ortom for ensuring the return of peace in Sankera area which was hitherto a no-go area due to criminal activities.
The monarch charged members of the church to give maximum support to the new Bishop to enable him discharge his duties effectively.
Earlier in a homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Reverend Antonio Guido Filipazzi said the primary task of the Bishop is to promote unity among the people so that they may love God and follow his teachings.
The Papal Nuncio who was the Principal Consecrator, discouraged divisions in the church saying “If the Church is divided, the society cannot stand united” and urged the faithful to support with the new Bishop for the unity in the Diocese.
The new Bishop of Katsina Ala, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, appreciated God and thanked the Holy Father, Pope Francis for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of his predecessor, late Bishop Peter Adoboh in laying a foundation for the Diocese and pledged to sustain the legacies of tending the flock with much dedication.
