The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has urged Christians to participate actively in politics and governance, stressing that they should not be afraid of politics or regard it as a dirty game.
The Chairman made the call when he received the State Executive Committee of the Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG), Akwa Ibom State, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Nsit Atai Council Secretariat, Odot, recently.
During the visit, the DPG formally appointed Hon. Nyong as its Patron in Akwa Ibom State, a responsibility he accepted while assuring the organisation of his support and partnership in advancing greater Christian participation in politics and governance.
The delegation, led by the State Director of the DPG, Rev. Ita Uyeh, included the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Akwa Ibom State, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Etim, and other Christian leaders and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nsit Atai Chapter also present.
Speaking during the visit, Rev. Uyeh explained that the DPG was established to awaken, educate, mobilise, equip and support Christians to participate responsibly and meaningfully in politics and governance.
Related: AKHA Oversight Committee Commends Nsit Atai Chairman Over Developmental Strides
He commended the Nsit Atai Chairman for his developmental strides in the local government, particularly his attention to infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, water supply, youth development and the general welfare of the people.
Rev. Uyeh also acknowledged the ongoing development of the Council Secretariat and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the local government, describing the Chairman’s commitment to grassroots development as worthy of commendation.
He further appreciated Nyong for his support and goodwill towards the Uyo Senatorial District and his acceptance to serve as Political Adviser to the District, expressing confidence that his political experience, grassroots understanding and leadership exposure would contribute positively to the development of the district.
Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Etim, thanked the Chairman for granting the delegation the opportunity to visit him.
Bishop Etim commended Hon Nyong for his simplicity, accessibility and approach to leadership, noting that his disposition to service and interaction with the people reflected a leadership style worthy of recognition.
Responding, Hon Nyong thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the PFN and DPG for the confidence reposed in him.
He stressed that Christians should not shy away from politics or perceive it as a dirty game, noting that their active participation was necessary if they desired to influence decisions and contribute positively to the development of society.
According to him, Christians should be willing to bring their values, character, competence and sense of responsibility into the political space rather than remaining on the sidelines.
The Chairman particularly advised Christians interested in politics to start from the grassroots, urging them to become actively involved in their communities and political structures and make themselves known.
He noted that political leadership requires preparation, commitment and grassroots engagement, stressing that those aspiring to leadership positions should not wait until election periods before becoming involved in political activities.
Hon Nyong accepted his appointment as Patron of the Directorate of Politics and Governance, Akwa Ibom State, and pledged to partner with the organisation in advancing its objective of encouraging Christians to participate actively and responsibly in politics and governance.
He said his acceptance was informed by his conviction that Christians should not only pray for good governance but should also be prepared to contribute to its emergence by participating in the processes that produce leaders and shape public policies.
The Chairman commended the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria for championing the interests of Christians and creating platforms to educate and encourage members of the Christian community to take a more active role in public affairs.
He expressed support for the DPG’s emphasis on political education, mentorship and grassroots mobilisation, describing such initiatives as important in preparing Christians who are interested in leadership for responsible participation in politics.
Speaking on the political environment in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Nyong commended the State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for creating what he described as a peaceful and conducive political environment in the state.
The Chairman said Governor Umo Eno had made politics easier in Akwa Ibom State by promoting peace, tolerance and inclusiveness, adding that the practice of administering mbiam oaths as a condition for political participation had, in his view, been completely expunged from the political space in the state under the Governor’s leadership.
According to Hon Nyong, the development had helped create a more peaceful and open political environment in which people could participate without fear or intimidation. He described it as a significant step towards strengthening democratic participation and encouraging more Christians and other citizens to become actively involved in politics and governance.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nsit Atai, gave the closing remarks, appreciating the DPG delegation for the visit and the opportunity for the Christian leadership and local government administration to engage on the role of Christians in politics and governance.
The visit ended with prayers for the Executive Chairman, his administration and the good people of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, with the delegation seeking God’s continued guidance, wisdom and blessings upon the Chairman and his administration.
