Christians Urged To Participate In Politics For Good Governance

Kaduna State attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Sir James A. Kanyip, has advised Christians across the country to actively participate in politics, saying their involvement was essential to achieving good governance at all levels.

Kanyip made the call at the third edition of the Joint All Catholic Church Knights Summit (JACKS) held in Abuja yesterday.

The event attracted prominent church leaders, including Catholic priests and other dignitaries.

He appealed to Christians not to shy away from politics.

“If people who are ‘clean’ do not get involved in politics, it cannot be clean,” he said, “We cannot appreciate or change the system from the outside. We need to get inside. We are the salt of the earth. Therefore, Christians should get involved in politics.”

He stressed the need for leadership that inspires confidence across faiths and promotes unity and merit.

“We need leaders who recognise and respect all faiths. Such leadership deserves our support, our prayers, and our goodwill, because good governance thrives where unity is promoted and merit is rewarded,” he said.

Kanyip urged Christians, especially Catholic knights, to prepare for the 2027 general elections.

“As we approach 2027, neutrality is no longer an option. We must participate in the political process. We must register as voters, take part in voting, engage political candidates, and support credible leaders,” he said.

He also encouraged professionals to offer their expertise by serving on advisory councils and mentoring younger generations.

“We must speak with piety, charity, and courage to our political leaders. Let the dictates of our conscience guide our choices in the 2027 elections, which will shape our common good,” he added.

Quoting from a communiqué issued at the end of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on June 8, 2022, Kanyip noted that the church teaches that politics is for the common good and must be exercised within moral limits.

He explained that while the church does not align itself with any political party, it is not indifferent to political participation.

“The church urges Catholic lay faithful, especially those with talent for the difficult yet noble act of politics, to prepare themselves and engage in political activities in accordance with the common good and the moral order,” he said.

Kanyip emphasised that power and influence are tools that should be used to promote righteousness and justice in society.

“We cannot keep complaining about insecurity and poor leadership without being willing to participate in the political process,” he said.

He concluded by urging Christians to emulate nation-building values by seeking political appointments and elective positions, stressing that active participation is necessary to shape policies and influence governance for the betterment of society.