Rev. Blessed Amalambu, a prominent Abia State clergyman, has issued a fervent call to action for Christian leaders to heed the advocacy of Barr. Emmanuel Ihim, urging them to actively participate in the political and governance processes. This call stems from the recent Christian Citizenship Network Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State, which aimed to mobilize Christian communities towards greater civic responsibility, moral leadership, and political engagement. The summit brought together a diverse group of participants, including faith leaders, clergy, community members, youth representatives, and government officials, all united by a common goal of enhancing the role of Christians in shaping the nation’s future.
Rev. Amalambu, who holds several significant leadership positions within the Christian community, including outgoing Southeast Zonal Assistant Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), outgoing Secretary of PFN Abia State, an executive member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Abia State chapter, and General Overseer of Christ Generation Ministry Inc., emphasized the theological basis for Christian involvement in politics. Referencing biblical principles, he explained that God’s intention was for His children to steward and govern the earth according to divine principles. He highlighted the historical precedent of priests, prophets, and kings serving as God’s chosen instruments for righteous governance, emphasizing that only righteousness can uplift a nation. Conversely, he warned that ungodly rulers inevitably create laws that bring hardship and suffering to the people.
The summit addressed a critical issue within the Christian community: the historical reluctance of many Christians to engage in politics. This reluctance, often rooted in a misguided belief that politics is a dirty game, has resulted in a vacuum of moral leadership, allowing corruption to flourish and ungodly influences to hijack the political system. Rev. Amalambu lamented this withdrawal from the political sphere, stressing that politics, at its core, is simply the process of choosing leaders. By abstaining from this process, Christians have inadvertently ceded control to individuals who lack a grounding in God’s laws and principles. The summit aimed to rectify this by equipping Christians with the understanding and tools necessary to engage effectively in the political arena.
The Christian Citizenship Network Summit served as a platform to discuss the multifaceted role Christians can play in shaping a better society. Speakers highlighted the importance of Christian involvement in policy formulation, mentoring future generations of leaders, and providing moral guidance in governance. The summit also focused on voter education, empowering Christians to make informed choices and exercise their civic duty responsibly. The need for believers to actively seek both elective and appointive positions was also emphasized, recognizing the potential for Christians to influence policy and decision-making from within the government.
Rev. Amalambu underscored the summit’s emphasis on the urgency for Christians to reclaim their role as “salt and light” in the world, drawing on the biblical metaphor. He argued that the church can no longer remain apolitical if Nigeria is to experience godly leadership. He strongly endorsed Barr. Ihim’s advocacy for greater Christian political involvement, connecting it to the scriptural mandate in Isaiah 9:6, which declares that the government shall rest on the shoulders of God’s people. This, he argued, necessitates a commitment to righteousness, justice, and truth – the foundational principles of the Kingdom of God – in the formulation of laws and policies that will bring blessings to society.
The summit’s impact extended beyond the Christian community, receiving commendation from Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who recognized its timeliness in promoting moral leadership and civic responsibility. The summit culminated in a series of resolutions, including commitments to organize voter education drives, train and mentor Christian youth for political roles, and ensure that laws and policies are scrutinized against the principles of justice and righteousness. Rev. Amalambu expressed optimism that the summit, coupled with the continued advocacy of individuals like Barr. Ihim, would inspire a renewed commitment among Christians to engage in politics and governance, ultimately leading to the emergence of leaders with integrity who will guide the nation based on godly values. He maintained that as long as Christians remain disengaged, the nation will continue to grapple with corruption. However, he expressed hope that the renewed commitment inspired by the summit and by voices like Ihim’s, Nigeria can begin to nurture leaders of integrity.
