The Chairman of the Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend John Bakeni, has called on Christians in the state to become more actively involved in politics, dismissing the belief that the political space is inherently corrupt.
Bakeni made this appeal on Saturday while speaking to journalists during the 3rd Gwoza Christian National Conference held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He voiced concern over what he described as the low level of Christian participation in political affairs, warning that such disengagement has limited their chances of gaining political appointments and adequate representation.
“The issue of Christian participation in politics has been an issue of great concern for us in the state,” he said, noting that many Christians have avoided political involvement due to long-held misconceptions.
According to him, “If you have the disposition that politics is unsafe and that it is a dirty game, it is wrong. Politics is not a dirty game; rather, it is a system of governance.”
Bakeni maintained that the nature of politics is shaped by those who take part in it, urging Christians to influence the system positively by bringing their values into governance.
“How can you call it dirty? It is those who participate that make it dirty. That is why, as a Christian, you should get involved by bringing your charisma and Christian values so that you can go in and sanitise it,” he said.
He further described the current level of Christian representation in government in the state as inadequate, linking it partly to poor political engagement among members of the faith.
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“Given the whole scenario, you will see that there are very few Christians who are being appointed to political offices. But to say the truth, Christians are not participating as they should in politics,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of civic responsibility in a democratic system, Bakeni urged Christians to register with political parties and take part in electoral and governance processes.
“We are in a democratic system of governance, so political participation is not an option, but an act of fulfilling one’s civic responsibility,” Bakeni added.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Gwoza Elite Forum, Emmanuel Ibrahim, said the conference was organised to promote inclusiveness and raise awareness about citizens’ responsibilities in a democracy.
“The purpose of this conference is all about inclusivity and how we can come together to support our state,” he said, stressing that ongoing security challenges make active civic engagement even more critical.
He urged the government to prioritise development across key sectors, including education, healthcare, and political institutions, highlighting the need for both human and infrastructural growth.
“Effective representation cannot be overemphasised in fostering unity in a diverse community like Borno. Priority must be given to human, capital and infrastructural development,” Ibrahim said.
He also called on authorities to ensure the safe return of displaced persons currently in Cameroon to their communities, alongside strengthening security in affected areas.