The Nigerian National Christian Coalition (NNCC) has called on Christians in the group to seek more participation in Nigeria’s political space in order to deepen good governance in the country and also protect the interest and welfare of Christians.
The Convener of NNCC, Apostle Titi Oluwadara who made the call on Saturday during a press conference in Lagos, said opinions, and misconceptions that Christians dwell on to abhor politics in Nigeria have grown to become deep-rooted strongholds in their minds and if these strongholds are not confronted and subdued, they will negatively affect many future generations.
“The terrible state of politics in Nigeria is an opportunity beckoning at Christians and all people of good and living conscience to step in and show the way. Christians can join politics to uproot all the vices and redefine how the game is played.
“Darkness shines when the light refuses to shine. Christians can create a new pathway in politics in Nigeria by establishing a new party based on Godly principles and foundations. They can sanitize the system also by pouring into an existing political party in their large number as an army of occupation to subdue all the evil elements.
Speaking further, Apostle Oluwadare said the reason Christians haven’t been able to step in to change the narrative is that the average Nigerian Christian loves to fast and pray more than getting involved in the system.
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She said Christians must, as a matter of utmost urgency, recognize that they shun politics and governance to their own peril. They run some of the best schools, operate some of the best social welfare schemes, house some of the most brilliant and kind-hearted Nigerians.
“These are some of the best qualities needed to govern a country successfully. But because of their wrong attitude towards politics, they bury all these talents in the church and watch on as the worst of the land rule over the land and its best. What an irony!
She also said as parts of effort to create this awareness, the NNCC would meet next Friday in Lagos for a summit to deliberate on the need for the voice of the church in the nation to be heard.
In his own contribution, Rev. John Hayab, Executive Director, Mobilisation Northern Nigeria of NNCC, said it is high time Christians in the Southern part of Nigeria and Northern part of the country came together to forge a common front in the political space of the country.
Rev. Hayab, who is also the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna state chapter, said there is a need for Christians in Nigeria to build a strong political base.
“The body of Christ because of not having a base, is therefore lacking in ability or capacity to negotiate or place a demand that can achieve or help achieve their objectives, hence, the church has little relevance at the centre of affairs in Nigeria and consequently the church and Christians end up being used as a pawn in the political chess game.
“As followers of Jesus Christ, and using the scriptures as our base, it is time to come out of oppression, multiply, be fruitful and have dominion. We must become spiritual. Spirituality is not isolating ourselves and absconding from responsibility.”
In his remarks, the Regional Coordinator of NNCC, South-West Region, Bishop Taiwo Ajose, called for more political participation among Christians to tackle the social and moral ills in the country.
“One of the ways we can correct the ills of Nigeria is to actively get involved in the governance of the country because one of the core problems of Nigeria is leadership,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Executive Director, Media of NNCC, Dr. Bola Adeware said politicians have divided the church for so long, hence the need for a united front.
“What they use is divide and rule, because they know if Christians in the north have an understanding with Christians in the south, it will be difficult to sideline Christians in politics.
Dr. Adewara said joining politics is good for Christians and everyone with good conscience.
“Politics allows people with good hearts to take charge of making the laws for the nation. It allows people with conscience, good hearts and positive spirits to run the affairs of the nation and guarantee sustainable development. Angels don’t change any country, only good people do
“These politicians come to use us when they need our votes and when they get to power they push us aside and make appointments based on their own religion,” he added.
Also speaking at the conference, Ambassador Raphael Ogbu who is the Executive Director NNCC Diaspora, said if Nigeria must be saved, Nigerian Christians must change their perception about politics and lean over to save Nigeria from the hands of professional politicians.
He said Nigerian Christians must become born again and put off their current negative attitude about politics and governance.
“The forces of evil are climbing the shoulders of lack of righteous and good governance at every level of political leadership to destroy Nigeria while the Church is sleeping and hating politics which is the only legitimate access to governance with passion,” he added.