The Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Charles Hammawa has called on the Catholic community in Taraba state to be prayerful and conduct themselves with all sense of responsibility ahead of the general election in the country.
Bishop Hammawa who gave the charge in his New Year message made available to Business Day and was read across the state as part of monday morning mass sermon, said that the challenges of 2018 notwithstanding, the New Year holds a lot of hope and prospects for the country.
He said that the people have a civil obligation to participate actively in all process prescribed by the constitution towards the betterment of the society, while reiterating that the Church foes not operate in isolation of the society.
Hammawa charged the youths to shun thuggery and all forms of violence and vices and to reflect the light and spirit of Christ that was given to them at Baptism in all their conducts.
“We must remain grateful to God for the gift of last year. It came with a lot of challenges not only in our diocese and state but the entire region and indeed, the country. Now there is hope as the new year brings with it hope for new beginning and new opportunities. Let us embrace both with a Christian mind and make best of them for the good of humanity.
“This year is also an election year in our dear country and we must live up-to our Christian calling by remaining steadfast in prayers for the peaceful conduct of the election. We must also conduct ourselves with good conscience and every sense of responsibility to our fatherland. As part of our civil obligation, we obliged to participate actively in the elections, but we must do so within the dictates of the laws of the land and our mark as Children of light.
“Let me also urge our young people to shun thuggery and all forms of violence and vices as these can only worsen the prospects of a bright future for which we all year.”
The Clergy also prayed for quick resolution of all labor crisis in the country so that students can quickly return to school.
