The Christian Association of Nigeria in Borno State has urged Christians to actively participate in politics, rejecting the belief that the system is inherently corrupt or unsafe.
The Chairman of the association in the state, John Bakeni, made the call on Saturday while addressing journalists at the Gwoza Christian National Conference in Maiduguri.
Mr Bakeni expressed concern over what he described as low political participation among Christians, noting that the trend has limited their representation and access to opportunities in governance.
“The issue of Christian participation in politics has been an issue of great concern for us in the state,” he said.
He dismissed the notion that politics is a dirty game, insisting instead that it is a legitimate system of governance shaped by those who engage in it.
Call for engagement
According to the cleric, Christians should not shy away from politics due to misconceptions but rather contribute positively by bringing their values into the system.
“How can you call it dirty? It is those who participate that make it dirty. That is why, as a Christian, you should get involved… so that you can go in and sanitise it,” he said.
He added that the current level of Christian representation in government in the state remains low due to limited participation.
Civic responsibility
Mr Bakeni stressed that political participation is a civic duty in a democratic society, urging Christians to register with political parties and engage in the political process.
“We are in a democratic system of governance, so political participation is not an option, but an act of fulfilling one’s civic responsibility,” he added.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Ibrahim, President of the Gwoza Elite Forum, said the conference aimed to promote inclusivity and educate citizens on their roles in governance.
He emphasised the need for unity and collective efforts to support development in Borno State, especially in the face of ongoing security challenges.
Development concerns
Mr Ibrahim called on the government to prioritise human capital development and infrastructure, particularly in education, healthcare, and political systems.
He also urged authorities to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons currently in Cameroon to their communities, with improved security measures in affected areas.
The call highlights growing efforts to encourage broader civic participation and inclusivity in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly in regions affected by security challenges and underrepresentation.
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