Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong yesterday criticised Christians and Nigerians who have continued to oppose his acceptance to serve as the Director General of the Tinibu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Organisation, asserting that as a Catholic with the highest Papal award, the Pope is yet to inform him what he is doing is wrong.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that following the emergence of the former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu as the APC presidential candidate, the self-acclaimed Jagaban had picked former Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
That development had heated up the polity while also generating so much controversy, especially among the Christian folks including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who have since rejected the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Despite his defence of his selection of Shettima as his running mate, critics have continued to be persistent given Nigerians’ strong religious traditions.
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But after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja, Governor Lalong supported the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Lalong stated during a question-and-answer session that despite his new duty to promote a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, he is still a devout Catholic and is a Knight of Saint Gregory recipient.
Governor Lalong stressed that he had great regard for his Christian faith and emphasised that he was elected governor on behalf of people of all faiths, including atheists.
The Plateau leader added that as a result, he is unsure of the origin of individuals who assert that they are Christians and who are opposed to his appointment.
He reminded that when upon his return to Jos after his recent appointment as the DG, the APC Presidential Campaign organization, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), welcomed him.
Governor Lalong also disclosed that he met with the President to thank him for the presidential pardon granted to former Governor of the State, Joshua Dariye, and his Taraba State counterpart, Jolly Nyame who were recently released from incarceration, as well as the approval of several projects cited in Plateau State.