From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State chapter, Reverend (Dr) Abraham Dimieus has urged Christians to choose leaders who have the fear of God and respect for the rule of law, justice and fairness.
Dimieus also urged Christian faithful to consider voting for leaders that have respect for religious and ethnic diversity in the country.
He made the call at the 6th State CAN Carol Service of Nine Lessons with the theme: “O Come Let Us Worship The King (Matthew 2:2) held at ECWA Goodnews Church, Bauchi.
“The year 2023 is a year of elections, and it is characterised with so many uncertainties. One thing l request from the church in Bauchi is to apply wisdom in order to come out of this coming general election, strong and victorious,” he said.
“CAN has no any political party that is her own both from federal, state and local government, but we are urged to choose leaders that fear God, honest and trustworthy, have respect for the rule of law, justice and fairness for all, respect for religious and ethnic diversity.
“Leaders that must love Nigeria above self and such a leader must be healthy and mentally sound, and indeed must be a patriotic Nigerian to the core”.
The CAN Chairman commended Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed for what he called “his exemplary leadership” saying it has promoted peaceful coexistence in the state.
He added that “the relationship between the Christian community in Bauchi State and government of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is awesome”.
He said that the Christian community in the state had never had it so good as it is under the present administration, stressing that the church is at peace with the administration.
Dimieus also urged all Christian political appointees serving in the administration to represent the Christian community well by not indulging in any act that will bring the name of Jesus Christ to disrepute.
While assuring the government and all Christian political appointees that the church will continue to pray for them to succeed in their various assignments, he reminding the Christian political appointees that they should not forget that they are stewards who will soon be called upon to give account of their stewardship.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, stressing that peace and unity is what is needed to move the state forward.
The Governor who was represented by Senior Special Assistant(SSA) on Religious Affairs (Christian), Pastor Zakka Luka Magaji reassured that his administration would continue to run an open relationship with all irrespective of the differences stressing that his administration was for all residents of Bauchi State.
He enjoined the Christian community to continue to pray for peace and progress of the state, pointing out meaningful growth and development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.