The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kogi State chapter, Bishop John Ibenu has called on Christians in the state to get involved in full time politics.
Ibenu made the call during a Christian Voters’ Sensitization at the Chapel of Freedom International Church in Lokoja yesterday.
He counseled the members to beware of false prophets that discourage them from participation over excuses that politics is a dirty game. He urged to add works to their faith by taking practical steps to join in the development of society through politics.
The clergy said Christians cannot rely on only prayers while the wicked gets the votes and get catapulted to positions of authority.
“Voting is both a civic duty and spiritual obligation, refusal to vote is spiritual and civic disobedience which is a sin.”
He said Christians who refused to vote should also refrain from complaining when wicked leaders emerge.
“If you don’t vote dont complain, everyone must collect his Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) personally.
Christians should join political parties of their choice, you must become a card-carrying member of the political party of your choice.’
Ibenu challenge CAN members to aspire to become party officials at the ward, local Government and State levels.
“Aspire to be part of party machineries for selecting credible candidates for various political positions and also vite for credible candidates at all levels.
“Aspire to political positions to also contribute to the national development at your level but do not encourage or be part of political violence.”
The CAN chairman admonished Christians to bring Godliness into the political process even as he requested that they pray for those in authority and for peaceful, free and fair 2019 general elections.
Quoting from Acts of the Apostles when the Apostles casted lots or voted to get a replacement for Judas he said election is biblical.
Also quoting from proverbs 29 verse 2 he said when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice but when the wicked are in authority the people mourn hence he challenged Christians to take the gauntlet by aspiring to political positions so that righteousness can be in place for the people to rejoice.
On lamentations that some Christians had been in position and yet the situation never changed he said it is not good to throw away the baby and the bath water adding that they are human beings hence it was their human frailty that must have been exhibited.
During the prayer session the members prayed against those who have been offering evil advise to Nigerian leaders that has caused so much hardship and poverty so that God’s wrath will consume them.
He said the earth earth is the Lords and the fullness therein hence Christians should take charge in their own land.
