Bauchi – Seventy Catholic Bishops from across the country on Thursday witnessed the consecration of Rt Rev. Hilary Dachelem as the 3rd Bishop of the Bauchi Catholic Diocese.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Dachelem succeeded Bishop John Goltok, who died in March 2015.
Until his appointment on May 31, 2017, Dachelem was the Parish Priest of St. John Vianney Parish, Kwande, Benue State.
Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama, President, Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, in a speech at the ceremony, called for unity among Nigerians irrespective of religious, cultural or ethnic differences.
He said that the call for secession by some groups was unhealthy for Nigeria, stressing that Nigerians were better off in one united and indivisible nation.
Kaigama described the new Bishop, who speaks several Nigerian languages, including Igbo, as a bridge builder.
“I believe he will use his wealth of experience and position to unite all Nigerians in the Diocese,” he said.
In his inaugural speech, the new Bishop promised to carry all members of the Diocese along, and called for unity among Christians irrespective of ethnic or tribal differences.
NAN reports that the inauguration attracted the presence of Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guildo, former President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan, and Bishop Mathew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese.
Other dignitaries included Plateau Governor, Simon Lalong, his predecessor, Mr Fidelis Tapgun, and former Deputy Governor of that state, Mrs. Pauline Tallen. (NAN)