Earn appointment by participating actively in politics, Bago tells Christians

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has called on Christians in the state to increase their engagement in politics, asserting that active participation is crucial for them to gain political appointments and secure meaningful positions. Represented by the Coordinator of Christian Affairs, Pastor Isah Lawrence, the governor emphasized that insufficient involvement in terms of time, finances, and sacrifices has hindered Christians from achieving desired representation.

“

Christians have not been fully participating in politics either with their time, finances and sacrifices. It is time to work as one faith.

Governor Bago observed that Christians have often been "rolling stones" in the political landscape, lacking focus. He stressed the importance of having a clear direction and participating fully to be considered for significant appointments. "If you do not participate, you do not have the rights to demand for or is it automatic?" he questioned, highlighting that passive observation does not guarantee inclusion.

“

Before, Christians have been just like rolling stones, but now we want them to have focus because if you don’t know where you are going to, you should know where you are coming from.

Echoing similar sentiments, Pastor PeteRock Sadiq, the state Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Pastor of House on the Rock, Minna, urged Christians to complement their prayers with responsible civic action. He stated that the church "can no longer afford political indifference" and must act as a moral force in society. Sadiq clarified that while the church is not a political party, it has a vital role in influencing societal direction.

“

Christians need to participate fully in politics so that when it comes to the period of appointment, they will be given serious positions. If you do not participate, you do not have the rights to demand for or is it automatic?

Pastor Sadiq also appealed to Governor Bago to ensure fair political representation and inclusion for all communities within Niger State, specifically calling for Christians not to be excluded from leadership roles or opportunities. He framed this not as a call for rivalry but as a plea for fairness and equity, to be pursued through dialogue and lawful engagement. He further encouraged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards and verify their details on the public voter register.

“

The Church can no longer afford political indifference.