The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan and Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, has urged Christians to participate actively in politics, saying their involvement could help address the challenges facing Nigeria.
Aladekugbe made the call during the Joint Women’s Organisation Annual Conference Thanksgiving held at the Cathedral of St. Peter Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Ibadan North Anglican Diocesan Communicator, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga.
The Archbishop encouraged Christians to join political parties of their choice and participate in the political process, saying their involvement could help sanitise the system and restore hope in the country.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, Aladekugbe referenced biblical passages including Luke 7:11-17, Hebrews 3:5, John 1:15 and Proverbs 24:10, stressing that Jesus remains the hope of the hopeless.
He said Nigerians were facing instability across several areas of life, including politics, security, the economy, marriages and employment, urging citizens to put their hope and trust in Jesus.
“Nigerians are suffering in the midst of plenty because of the insensitivity of our leaders at various levels, greediness, corruption and self-centeredness, which are unacceptable to God and man,” the Archbishop said.
Aladekugbe also described Nigeria as a secular country, stressing that there is no state religion and that citizens are free to practise the religion of their choice without intimidation, harassment, discrimination or persecution.
He further called for fairness in the distribution of political positions and access to the dividends of democracy.
The thanksgiving service was attended by clergymen and their wives, members of diocesan women organisations, traditional rulers, politicians, traders and other guests.
The statement was signed by Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, Ibadan North Anglican Diocesan Communicator.
