By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
As political activities for the 2027 general elections pick up across the country, Christian youths have been urged to shift from complaint to participation, pray more for Nigeria than complain about it, but after praying, act because democracy is not a spectator sport.
The assertion was made by Joniga Edward Usman, President, United Christian Youth Progressive Forum, in an Independence Day message he made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.
He also urged the Christian youths to get their PVCs, guard their votes during the election saying, “Your PVC is more powerful than your protest. I urge every member of this Forum to register, collect your PVC, show up and vote your conscience. Don’t sell your vote, don’t waste your vote.”
He also urged them to reject violence, embrace values saying, “We must say no to thuggery, vote-buying, religious manipulation and tribal politics. Let us campaign with issues, not insults. Let us vote with wisdom, not with sentiments.”
He added, “And to our political actors and institutions, to INEC, to the political parties, to our leaders: I call on you to put to Nigeria first. Give us a level playing field. Give us credible, free and fair elections. History will judge not how much power you grabbed, but how much peace you preserved.”
According to him, “Nigeria is not waiting for a perfect government. Nigeria is waiting for responsible citizens. Let us not fail her. Let us shine brighter than the darkness around us, and build where others have destroyed.Let us not fail God.”
He stated that, “Today, our nation celebrates 66 years of freedom. But as Christian youths, we celebrate more than flag and anthem – we celebrate purpose and responsibility.”
Joniga Edward added, “For 66 years, Nigeria has stood battered, but not broken. Delayed, but not denied. Because God is not done with this nation. And if God will build a new Nigeria, He will build it through us – the young, the faithful, the willing.”
He stressed, “That is why we are united – though we come from different tribes, tongues and denominations, we are one body in Christ, and one people in Nigeria.”
He added, “That is why we are Christians- not just in Church on Sunday, but in character every day. In our honesty at work, in our integrity in business, in our conduct in politics.
That is why we are Progressive- we will not sit and complain while the nation bleeds. We will rise, we will work, we will lead.”
He concluded,”Fellow youths, this Independence meets us at a defining political moment. As we enter another election season, my charge to you is clear.”.
