Power respects power: The need for Christian Directorate of politics and governance -By Godwin Asuquo

On 28th February 2022, Redeemed Christian Church of God issued a memo establishing Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG). Surprisingly, some Christians read meanings into it and expressed concern.

RCCG should be commended for taking this step. This is in conformity with the decision of PFN which had earlier established DPG. These moves agree with a call made by Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) in 2020 that all Christian denominations should establish Directorate of Politics and Governance to organize and encourage quality participation of Christians in the democratic process. CSMN, as the socio-political arm of the Church, established DPG in 2017.

RCCG has taken a good step to correct the mistakes of the past and other denominations, fellowships, and Church groups are enjoined to follow suit. Every Christian denomination and fellowship should establish DPG to facilitate the process of producing capable and intelligent candidates for leadership

Good governance will only emerge through careful planning and commitment to excellence.

With the support of National Christian Elders Forum, CSMN organized the Christian political consensus project in 2019. Thirteen Christian Presidential candidates participated. It would have produced a consensus candidate if not for the compromise of the process by a segment of the Church. It is hoped that the right lessons would have been learnt now and all Christians will be committed to the consensus project.

The Christian community must build consensus. It’s the only way to make political impact. There can only be one President. Multiple candidates divide the Christian votes and turns them into political minorities in a country where they are evidently in the majority.

As highlighted by NCEF, Nigeria is currently playing “politics of religion”. Nigerian has 389 ethnic nationalities. Three of these ethnic nationalities built political unity based on their religion as the political glue binding the three. Based on their political unity, the three ethnic nationalities dominate the politics of the remaining 386 ethnic nationalities, the majority of whom are Christians.

While many Christians still play divisive politics of ethnicity, they play “politics of religion”. They are referred to as “Sharia states.” Therefore, Christians must neither be bashful nor timid to come together and build Christian political unity.
Christian political unity will produce the much-needed balance in the polity. Power respects power.

For clarity, CSMN was established by the five Church blocs of CAN in 2001 during the tenure of Prelate Sunday Mbang as the President of CAN. CSMN was inaugurated by Cardinal John Onaiyekan as the then Vice-President of CAN in 2001, on behalf of the CAN President. (Constitution of CSMN is available at: https://csmnigeria.org/constitution )

In addition to its collaborative efforts with NCEF, CSMN has established National Consensus Movement (NCM) to facilitate the mobilization and harmonization efforts. It is hoped that all Christian groups will be willing to work together to achieve a common goal.

The audio message above may shed more light on this issue. It was delivered in 2020.

Your brother in Christ, Pastor Bosun

Publish by NewsChristian Network

Courtesy: NSCEA

Bosun