The Coalition of Christian Groups for Good Governance Nigeria and Diaspora (COCGOG) has urged Nigerians to elect credible leaders in the forthcoming 2023 General election.
The statement was from a Communiqué signed by the Director of Communications, COCGOG, Pastor Emmanuel Yoeah, at the end of the Executive meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
COCGOG, in collaboration with other Para-Church groups, also called on citizens to vote for leaders who can unite and bring peace and confidence among the citizens irrespective of religion and ethnic affiliations.
The discussion was tagged “The Role of Christians in Politics and Security Management ahead of 2023 General Elections.”
Yoeah said the meeting aimed at driving a process that would promote Christian participation in politics and security management skills.
COCGOG called for overhauling the value system in governance and a change of narrative in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is at a critical moment in the history of her existence. Thus, it critically needs urgent but in-depth multidimensional approaches to overhauling our value system to change the narrative positively.
“We are convinced it is time for Nigerians to unite and choose a leader with the capacity and capabilities to rebuild the broken unity, peace, and confidence among the citizens irrespective of religion and ethnic affiliations.
“The larger society seems too complex to penetrate, but a leap from the Christian Groups can be a good starting point.
“Thus, youth and women who form the most significant population have the power to initiate this spark of change from the corridors of their homes and Church to reach the larger society.
“It is therefore imperative to identify the root causes of these problems.”
He decried the increasing level of insecurity, corruption, poverty, absence of free and fair elections, unemployment, and lack of respect for the rule of law in the country.
He pleaded with the Nigerian Government and all stakeholders to intensify actions, cooperate, and synergise on restoring true peace and security in the country.
On the issues of the same-faith ticket of the ruling party APC, he said the Coalition condemned in strong terms, which had generated tension in the country.
He cautioned about the danger posed by using religion in campaigns by some politicians in the country.
“We call on PDP to make haste and dialogue with aggrieved party members.
“We saw PDP as an alternative because APC already sealed its house against the Nigeria Christians.
“Unfortunately, the way PDP handles our leader and brother, Governor Wike, and his team is sending a negative signal to us; we cannot pretend anymore.”
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The Coalition also resolved to call a larger meeting in the next few days to take a definite position on its preferred candidate and to encourage each group to organise an enlightenment programme, creating awareness ahead of the elections.
“We are determined to place the interests of the Nigerian people at the heart,” he said.
Leaders and representatives of fifteen para-church organisations attended the Executive meeting.
They presented pertinent issues that border political participation, integrity, security management, and nation-building.
S.O
