Gov. Suswan Blasts Advocates of Same-Sex, Girl Child Marriage

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

By Eric Ojo

Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan

The Governor of Benue State, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Torwua Suswan has urged Nigerians to remain resolute in their stiff opposition against same sex marriage and girl child marriage in Nigeria.

The governor said homosexual unions and same-sex marriages do not express full human complementarity and that they are inherently non-procreative and cannot be given the status of marriage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, of the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for the year 2013 in Otukpo, Rt. Hon. Suswan also called on the Catholic Bishops and the entire Christian community in Nigeria to stand firm and remain vehement in condemning homosexuality, gay marriage and the social acceptance of same-sex relationships just as the Pope Benedict XVI recently condemned same-sex marriage.

He equally noted that that girl child marriage is not only harmful and retrogressive but also destroys the childhood of the individual that is subjected to such a practice.

He further used the occasion to emphasize the role of Church leaders in nation development, noting that their role as spiritual leaders has positive influence on the people.

Describing the voice of the Bishops as “the voice of reason which usually comes from deep reflections on any subject matter that they choose to comment on”, Suswan also acknowledged that the clergymen are critical stakeholders in nation building.

He therefore commended the Bishops, describing them as spiritual leaders who have always shown uncommon patriotism in the peace, progress and unity of the country. “By this singular fact, you are critical stakeholders whose role in the attainment of progress and development is highly cherished by government”, he added.

The governor however warned that the use of religion as a tool for politics was inimical to progress and development. He also warned against terrorism in all ramifications and called on all faiths or denominations to checkmate the activities of their members, ensure that they cooperate with security operatives and be vigilant at all times.

“Irrespective of the faith or denomination, religion when truly practiced in its truest form and spirit, has been and remains sacred. It plays a vital role in purposeful leadership, community building, social justice, law and order, peacemaking, reconciliation, forgiveness and the healing of wounds, be they political, family of personal”, he further explained

While commending the cooperation and collaboration of the Catholic Church with government, he declared: “My Lords, the Catholic Church which you represent is one of the revered institutions which have laid the foundation for the social and economic advancement of the state through the provision of schools, hospitals and churches for effective evangelization”.