by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: The Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has paid glowing tribute to the late Rev Fr Polycarp Nengak Lubo, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), whose remains were laid to rest after a solemn Requiem Mass at the St. John Vianney Minor Seminary compound, in Barkin-Ladi, Plateau State.
Speaking at the funeral, Governor Mutfwang described Rev. Fr. Lubo as a “jolly good fellow; a humble servant of God, who offered himself in service to humanity and the state.”
He noted that the late priest’s life was marked by deep commitment to unity, peace, and faith, and his passing is a painful loss not just to the church but to the entire Plateau community.
“I thank God for the life and times of Rev. Fr. Lubo, a man whose journey has brought us together today. He was a true servant of God, a cheerful soul who connected effortlessly with everyone. Yes, like every mortal, he had his flaws, but I can confidently say he served God faithfully and gave his best to Plateau State,” the governor said.
He further revealed the shock of Fr. Lubo’s sudden demise, recalling their last conversation. “We spoke just a few days before his surgery, full of hope that he would pull through and return to his pastoral duties. But ultimately, God’s will prevails.”
Urging the congregation to reflect on the brevity of life, Governor Mutfwang said, “Like the Psalmist prayed, ‘May we all learn to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom;’ for it is appointed unto man once to die, and after that comes judgment. My prayer is that when my own time comes, I will stand before the Throne Of Grace with a clear conscience.”
The governor also commended Rev. Fr. Lubo’s remarkable efforts at promoting unity within the church through his leadership in CAN. He noted that the clergy’s passing should serve as a rallying call for the Church to rise above internal divisions and chart a collective path towards peace and development on the Plateau.
“When the Church gets it right, many of the challenges facing Plateau State will fade into history. Fr. Lubo labored for unity; now it is our turn to carry the torch. But true unity cannot co-exist with hypocrisy. For too long, we have lived as though we are enemies of ourselves. We betray and tear one another down. This must stop.”
Governor Mutfwang extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Revd. Matthew Ishaya Audu, the larger Catholic family, and the Christian Association of Nigeria. He prayed for divine strength and comfort in this time of grief.
Also, former Governor of Plateau State and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Simon Bako Lalong, has paid last respects to former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Plateau State Chapter, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, as his body was laid to rest at the St. John Vianney Minor Seminary Barkin-Ladi.
He said the late Rev. Fr. Lubo was a man of peace and unity, who brought people together and worked to conquer divisive tendencies in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
According to Senator Lalong, Rev. Fr. Lubo contributed immensely to the peace building and reconciliation efforts during his administration, using the platform of CAN and the Plateau State Inter-Religious Council which he was a member.
Lalong also recalled that the deceased was bold, truthful and consistent in his dealings with people and in response to matters that affected the welfare and well-being of citizens.
Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Revd. Dr. Ishaya Matthew Audu, said the death of Fr. Lubo is a big loss to the Catholic Church and the body of Christ, but gain to heaven as his soul is with the Lord where there is no more pain or fear of death.
He asked the family and Church to be consoled and continue to cherish late Rev Fr Lubo’s good works that touched many within and outside the Church, especially the hurting and less-privileged across various faiths.
Similarly, Senator Joshua Dariye, along with former Deputy Governor-cum former Minister Pauline Tallen, CAN Chairman National and the Secretary-General and other CAN bodies were among thousands of sympathizers, who witnessed the Funeral Mass and the burial of Very Rev. Fr. Polycarp Nengak Lubo.