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| Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong |
Christians have been urged to actively engage in politics by Plateau Governor Simon Lalong so that they can support the advancement of their country.
At the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria's 14th Annual Conference in Jos, the governor made the request in his remarks.
On Friday in Jos, Mr. Lalong suggested that their involvement might improve governance in a statement released by his spokesperson, Makut Macham.
The governor stated that "many have suggested, and rightfully so, that Nigeria's many difficulties originate from inadequate leadership.
“However, a lot of people forget or do not realise that leadership does not begin and end with elections. It starts much earlier and continues afterwards.
“As someone who has been in politics most of my adult life, I can say without fear of contradiction that leadership recruitment begins with the consciousness of the society on what kind of leadership it desires.
“This determines the level of participation or otherwise of the citizens in the process that identifies, adopts and presents candidates for elections,” he said.
Mr Lalong said many Christian brothers and sisters prefer to criticise those in government rather than be involved in politics to make a difference.
He said though the Catholic Church had always encouraged its members’ involvement in politics, more Christians need to occupy decision-making offices.
“That is why I appeal to the Church to continue to create avenues for constant engagements with Christian politicians for proper articulation of its interests and evaluation,” he said.
In her remarks, Esther Uduehi, National President of the Association of Papal Knights, said the association comprised Catholics who had been honoured by the Church for contributions to the propagation of the gospel and for positively impacting humanity.
She expressed concern over rising cases of religious intolerance, terrorism and banditry that were affecting the economy and also inhibiting people from practiding their faith.
Joseph Ari, chairman of the occasion and director-general of the Industrial Training Fund, said the conference was a platform for discourse on how the church could contribute to the democratic process while also propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(NAN)