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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, has predicted a woeful performance and possible failure for political parties that boost and rely on their political party popularity, structures or strength to win in the 2023 general elections.
He reminded the political parties that such opportunities were possible in the past, but not in today Nigeria where Nigerians are enlightened wised up, and are queueing behind individuals whom they think have answers to their questions.
The CAN President who spoke at a thanksgiving organised on his behalf at the Christ Holy Church also known as Nation’s Builders (Odozi-Obodo) in Abuja, on Sunday, said that politicians have failed the people repeatedly in the past, hence the people have decided to adopt a new approach in choosing their leaders.
He said: “We are in the period of campaign and so many things are happening. But whatever happens, we must stand for the truth. We must be at alert and ensure that no one smuggles what is untrue into your pocket. We must ensure that no one misleads you, no one buys your conscience, your fours years of joy. That’s the way to be at alert.
“We must critically challenge the people that are aspiring for different political offices in the forthcoming general elections. They should be able to convince us before we cast our vote. We must always think before we act. Jesus Christ teaches us to watch and pray, and that’s what we are doing now in Nigeria as regards the coming elections.
“Before you cast your vote, ensure you know the person or people you are casting the vote for, because things are beginning to change in Nigeria especially the electoral system. The era of voting for political party logo is gone. People no longer vote for party but individuals. Electorates now interrogate credibility, character, capacity and other criteria before they vote.
“Gone are days that you boost of election victory because you belong to a particular political party that is believed to has structure or strength. Any politician who think that way now is obviously deceiving his or herself.
“Christians and Nigerians would go into the elections with their two eyes open. They would ask questions about their welfare, education, health, human capital development and several others.”
He, however, appealed to politicians who are seeking political offices in the forthcoming elections to make promises that they would fulfill, and not unrealistic and mouth-watering offers that they would not fulfill.
He advised the youths against making themselves available for use as thugs and other agents of disruption.
“Our youths are no longer available for use as thugs. They have gone digital and are doing amazing things. I am one of the persons that believe that the youths must participate in things that concerns them. We must widen the space and inject new blood in the leadership of Nigeria.
“Our youths shouldn’t be used as campaign materials. Nigeria is one of the best places to live in irrespective of the challenges being faced here. We enjoy unlimited freedom here, even though it’s beginning to slip out of our hands. But by faith, we would grab it back and return our country back to its glory days.”
Secretary of the Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Dr. Victor Ivoke, told journalists that the recent emergence of Dr. Okoh, from the OAIC bloc of CAN is a strong boost for bloc which has not produced CAN President in the last 46 years of CAN existence.
He said: “We are happy that as Christ Holy Church that belongs to the OAIC bloc of CAN has given Christians a leader that will pilot the affairs of CAN in Nigeria. We trust his capacity and competence to run CAN and also provide leadership for Christians this time.”
The Chaplain, Men’s Fellowship, Christ Holy Church, Venerable Austin Eze, said the men fellowship conference that ended in Abuja at the weekend, was an opportunity for men to get additional education and capacity on how to continue to carry out their responsibilities as fathers.
Chairman of Men’s Fellowship Conference of Christ Holy Church, Chief Chukwuma Igwe, in his remarks stressed the need for the church rise in defence of the society.
He said: “We often use the opportunity to celebrate men and reinforced our commitment to evangelism. That will make us have a more healthier society.”
