Kogi East Christian Elders Forum has tasked politicians and parties to play politics of inclusiveness in order to move Nigeria consciously and developmentally forward.
This can only be attained if they are sensitive to the realities of the multi- religious, multi-tribal and multi- cultural character of Nigeria.
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Forum’s National Prayer Congress held Wednesday in Ankpa, Kogi State.
The communique which was jointly signed by the National President of the Forum, Pst Joseph Egwuda, and the National Coordinator, Engr Samuel L.S Salifu, reads in part, “
“The Forum outrightly condemned the issue of same faith ticket adopted and practiced by some insensitive politicians and political parties.
“That politicians and parties must be sensitive to the realities of the multi-religious, multi-tribal and multi-cultural character of Nigeria and play the politics of inclusiveness in order to move Nigeria consciously and developmentally forward.
The Forum notes with grave concern the present plight of citizens of Kogi State that suffered devastation of flood and therefore appealed to participants and others to donate generously to the Flood Victims Fund which will be transmitted along with the list of the donors to His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala for distribution latest 15th of December 2022. The Forum is targeting Ten million Naira.
“As a matter of urgency, the advocacy for restructuring, is an eye opener and the only way all regions can own, control and market their own resources and bring equity to our competitiveness and development as a nation
“The strength of dialogue as the weapon of choice demands that we must never miss any opportunity to give listening ears to each other and close our divides as fast as possible.
The Forum believes that Kogi State
has had the history of tolerance, inclusiveness and brotherly love across all divides, hence the need for all to reject all types of vendors of political acrimony
“Because of the present precarious Security position of the country, the Forum strongly caution Christian youths and office seekers to avoid violence in all ramifications.
“The Forum observes with appreciation, the comparatively peaceful disposition of Kogi State pioneered by the State Administration.
“The Forum emphasizes the need for all denominations and their affiliates to pray fervently for the peace of Nigeria .
“While advocating a strong Voter Education, the Forum said INEC must be seen to be visibly transparent in the forthcoming general elections”.
With the theme, “With God, We can do Valiantly,” the Congress featured prayers, sermons and a keynote address on ” Repositioning Nigeria For Greater Political Development: The Options For Middle Belt” delivered by the National President of the Middle forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu.
Dr. Pogu reminded the participants of their peculiar character as christians of the Middle Belt extraction strategically positioned by God to beam the light of the Gospel.
Having defined the Middle Belt and its antecedents, Dr. Pogu called on all and sundry to shun the politics of money, religion and nepotism, all of which had hitherto negatively affected the development of the Middle Belt and the entire country.
The Middle Belt Forum President emphasized that Christian Elders are divinely positioned to put a stop to the menace which the present Administration has used to bring the entire country to its knees- taken loans to the detriment of future generations, when ironically rich enough, to lend to many.
Dr. Pogu said the Middle Belt should beam the light of common sense, equity, and justice on both the political North and political South, advocating the need to have the next leadership of this country from the South- specifically South East, in the person of the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
The engine room of the “Obi For President” movement is the youth who are looking to secure their today and future . We enjoin everyone of goodwill to cooperate with this lofty aspiration of the youths.
The Prayer Congress was attended by Christian Elders, traditional rulers from home and in the diaspora and most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa ll who was represented by the Odoma Attah, Chief Jacob Ocheni to deliver the Royal goodwill message for prosperity and unity in the land.
The communique added that goodwill messages were received from political party candidates and aspirants as well as some socio- cultural and political organizations of like minds, including the Middle Belt Forum, Igbo Nation, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEV) and Yoruba Nation
The Kogi East Christian Elders Forum, KECEF comprises all denominations in Igala and Bassa speaking area
of the State
