No region must claim ownership of Nigeria ahead of 2027 elections — CSMN

The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria, CSMN, has warned that no region must lay claim to the ownership of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 basic elections.

The affiliation additionally warned that irresponsible actors might discover it simpler to seize establishments, advance sectional pursuits and undermine the widespread good when intellectuals and accountable residents withdraw from civic engagement.

It stated that when Christians divide their political energy with out searching for widespread floor, they danger diminishing their collective affect, including that the Nigerian Church possesses huge religious, mental, demographic, skilled and organisational assets.

“Political apathy does not leave the political space empty. It leaves decisions about leadership, public policy, security, education, the economy and the future of our children in the hands of those who participate,” the affiliation stated throughout a Zoom media briefing addressed by its Chairman of the Governing Council, Elder Sunday Oibe, on Monday.

“When accountable residents withdraw, irresponsible actors could discover it simpler to seize establishments, advance sectional pursuits and undermine the widespread good. When Christians divide their political energy with out searching for widespread floor, they danger diminishing their collective affect.

“When the Church confines its response to lamentation with out constructive civic engagement, it misses alternatives to contribute to options. The penalties are borne not solely by Christians however by your complete nation.

“We can’t persistently pray for good governance whereas refusing to just accept our duty to assist form it.

“The Church must therefore move from political apathy to responsible participation, from fragmentation to collaboration, and from criticism alone to constructive engagement. Our calling is not simply to complain about the darkness. It is to help bring light.”

Calling for stability, the affiliation warned that no non secular, ethnic or sectional curiosity ought to dominate the nation.

“The Nigerian State belongs to all Nigerians. It must not be captured by any non secular, ethnic or sectional curiosity. Section 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supplies that the federal government of the federation or a State shall not undertake any faith as a State faith.

“Persistent insecurity, assaults on communities, allegations of non secular discrimination and issues concerning the unequal safety of residents have created deep nervousness amongst many Nigerians. The authorities must deal with these issues by efficient safety, neutral legislation enforcement, transparency and accountability.

“We are significantly involved that the failure to guard susceptible communities and maintain perpetrators endorse can embolden non secular extremists and deepen mistrust in public establishments.

“The reply is to not substitute one type of non secular domination with one other. The reply is to strengthen democracy and be sure that the State protects each citizen equally. Christians must take part meaningfully in politics, public administration, coverage growth and the establishments the place selections affecting our nation are made. Such participation is respectable, vital and in line with accountable citizenship.

“Our objective must be to restore balance to the polity by strengthening democratic institutions, defending constitutional freedoms and ensuring that no extremist group — inside or outside government — can dictate the future of Nigeria. We seek a country where Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and citizens of every belief can live together in peace, under a system of government that serves all.”