''I have great respect for the decision of the Gboko Catholic diocese not to allow politicians speak during Masses''.- Gov Ortom

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has dismissed insinuations of any rift between him and the Gboko Catholic Diocese.(Read here).  

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, the governor expressed great respect for the decision of the Gboko Catholic diocese not to allow politicians speak during Masses and therefore not in any way slighted by the action of the Catholic Priest incharge of Wannune Parish.
The statement reads in part: "we have read various statements arising from the thanksgiving mass yesterday in honour of Senator George Akume at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

"We wish to state that Governor Samuel Ortom understands and respects the decision of Gboko Catholic Diocese not to allow politicians to speak during masses and therefore would not have felt slighted when the Priest in Charge of the Wannune Parish did not permit him to speak during the mass in accordance with the decision of the Diocese."
Consequently, the governor urged those amplifying the incident and making inflammatory statements for political reasons to sheathe their swords.
According to the statement, "Governor Ortom is a God-fearing leader who submits himself to Christian authorities and has enormous regard for the Catholic Church in particular. He won't allow the cordial relationship he has built with the church over the years to be jeopardized."

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