Christianity, Politics and CAMA Uproar: A Critical View By Olaogun Michael Sunkanmi

In Nigeria, it is undeniable that most religious leaders have indoctrinated their followers to believe that political participation is abominable. 

The above assertion is one of the reasons for our pitiable state as a nation,  yet, we daily complain about the unpalatable state of things in the county with the belief that fasting and prayers can substitute the place of active involvement in politics and governance environment. I have been to churches where it was outrightly condemned that politics is evil, and it is not what a true child of God should be involved. I began to wonder if the preachers actually understood what political participation means. Perhaps they have narrowed down their minds to contesting elective position(s). Even at that, is anything wrong with contesting elections as Christians?  Anything can be sinful if caution is not taken, inclusive of food consumption. 

However, for the sake of education, political participation in Nigerian context includes but not limited to the following: registration for PVC, collection of PVC, Voting during elections (very important), Contesting elections (choice), participating in political debates, canvassing support, lobbying and host of others.   All aforementioned determines the emergence of leaders into the governance environment, and their performance (good or bad) determines our socioeconomic wellbeing as citizens. 

The uproar by Christian leaders on the recently accented CAMA law by President Muhammad Buhari has reflected some level of sentiments by our religious leaders to nation-building. Historically, reflecting the bible day, the church and her leaders in a real sense served as the conscience of the nations. Still, unfortunately, the division in Christian bodies in Nigeria has opened the church up to suffer political consequences by political vampires. The Nigerian Christian bodies and denominations are speaking with a united voice in recent times against political matter, which to an extent, can be assumed to be because of the personal interest of many who are likely to be affected. But on a personal note, I join my voice with others to call for the review of CAMA law.

One of the uniqueness of democracy is the room for participation by all citizens. Still, unfortunately, most of our religious leaders who are influencers in their jurisdiction have failed to influence their members to participate actively in civic engagements.  Before CAMA was enacted and assented, I assume there was a public hearing. If there was, were members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and other Christian blocs represented? 

Beyond CAMA, when was the last time Christian blocks spoke with a united voice against poor education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, security policies, corruption, and others? Are they not as important as CAMA, perhaps more than CAMA? When have any of our Christian leaders participated or mobilized strategic members to participate in any public hearings on important national discuss in the parliament? Do CAN and PFN have political strategists or advisers?

The church in the past played a very significant role in the emergence of advanced democracies; America and the United Kingdom are perfect examples, and I hope the Nigerian church will wake up to the responsibility. 

The earlier we realize that our existence as members of a geographical location is determined by policies of the government, the better for all of us, but principally not forgetting that "we are not of this world". When bad laws are formulated and implemented, the effect does not know any tribe or denomination we belong, which means we all suffer the consequences. The church should wake up to her duty of being the light and salt of the earth in all spheres of human endeavor. 

Olaogun Michael, a Social Commentator and Democracy Fellow, wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State. 

michaelolaogun2014@gmail.com