By Edwin Philip, Lafia
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Nasarawa State, Rev. Dr. Sunday Emma, has urged Christians to participate actively in elections, saying failure to exercise their civic responsibility by voting amounts to a sin.
Speaking with journalists in Lafia on Tuesday while reflecting on recent elections in the country, including the recent bye-election in Nasarawa State, Emma said Christians have a biblical obligation to obey lawful authority and fulfil their civic responsibilities.
“We will not get tired of enlightening people because that is one of the responsibilities entrusted to us. We cannot sit back and expect the right thing to happen without playing our part,” he said.
Appealing to Nigerians, particularly Christians, to exercise their voting rights, the cleric said the Bible enjoins believers to obey constituted authority.
“Once an election is scheduled, you are expected to go out and exercise your franchise. Not exercising your franchise is even a sin, and that must be understood. When you vote and someone somewhere decides to abuse the process, you have played your part, and God will reward you,” he said.
Emma also urged eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), noting that there was still an opportunity for those yet to register.
“We want to appeal to everyone to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, which is almost coming to an end. There is still a window. Please register and come out to vote when the time comes.
“People should not give up by saying their votes will not count or that the winner has already been decided. Some of those perceptions may exist, but we can change the situation if we all participate,” he said.
According to him, if Nigerians genuinely love their country and states, they should vote and protect the sanctity of their votes.
“If we give up, we are allowing the wrong things to continue. When bad leadership persists, the consequences are complaints, hunger, poor education, inadequate healthcare and underdevelopment.
“Let us all do our part and leave the outcome to God. Where we are expected to defend our votes, we should do so peacefully,” he added.
The CAN chairman expressed optimism that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would discharge its responsibilities fairly but lamented the increasing trend of election outcomes being determined by the courts rather than at the polling units.
“INEC has promised to be fair, and we are watching. We are also praying for the commission. However, we do not want a situation where elections are won in the courtroom instead of at the polling unit. Elections should be decided by the votes cast by the people,” he said.
He also urged members of the judiciary to remain impartial in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“You may deliver judgments today, but God is watching. Whatever anyone does, whether in government or the judiciary, they will account for it. We pray that justice and fairness will prevail so that we can build a country we will all be proud of,” he said.
Emma expressed concern over the country’s socio-economic challenges, saying Nigeria needed committed leadership and active citizen participation to reverse the negative trend.
Speaking on his tenure, the cleric disclosed that he had spent almost five years as CAN chairman in Nasarawa State and would soon leave office in line with the association’s 2021 constitution, which provides for a single five-year term to minimise tensions associated with re-election contests.
Reflecting on his stewardship, Emma said promoting unity among Christians had remained the cardinal objective of his administration.
“The motto of CAN is ‘That They May Be One.’ Our responsibility is to promote unity within the Church, foster peaceful coexistence and serve as a voice for the less privileged, the oppressed and all Nigerians, irrespective of their faith,” he said.
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for promoting peace and religious harmony in the state, describing the relationship between the state government and religious bodies as cordial.
“I must appreciate Governor Abdullahi Sule for his understanding of the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence. It has made our work much easier,” he said.
Emma also praised the sustained collaboration between CAN and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), noting that continuous dialogue between both faith groups had helped prevent conflicts and strengthen peace across Nasarawa State.
“We have consistently encouraged our members to live peacefully with one another and with adherents of other faiths. Whenever issues arise, CAN and JNI leaders engage in dialogue to resolve them. That partnership has contributed significantly to the peace the state enjoys today,” he said.
