In a passionate address to religious leaders and pastoral agents in Jos East, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the area, Rev. Fr. Youngten Emmanuel Temswang, issued a stirring call for accountability and integrity ahead of the forthcoming elections. He urged the clergy to serve as moral compasses in guiding their congregations toward making informed and principled choices.
Fr. Temswang opened his message by expressing gratitude for God’s sustenance of Nigeria through difficult times, acknowledging both the nation’s challenges and God’s unwavering faithfulness. He praised the resilience of religious leaders, commending their service in maintaining hope and faith amidst adversity.
However, the CAN chairman questioned the value of Independence Day celebrations, pointing out the failures of leadership in Nigeria. “What are we celebrating?” he asked, listing issues such as greed, economic inequality, political corruption, and the lack of government presence in many communities. He noted that, despite the hardships, Nigerians have reason to celebrate God’s protection, rather than the actions of their leaders.
Fr. Temswang emphasized the critical role of the clergy in ensuring a fair and just election process. He called on them to sensitize their communities to reject vote-buying, stating, “We are saying not to collect anything they come with because they are blood money and cursed items.”
The chairman also urged church leaders to speak openly about the state of local governance, drawing attention to inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare, and lack of potable water in Jos East. He stressed the need for electing politicians who are genuinely committed to the people’s welfare, rather than those driven by personal wealth.
“This is not the time for the politics of party,” he said. “We need politicians who know, understand, and live with the people.”
Fr. Temswang concluded by encouraging the clergy to stand as prophetic voices, leading their communities toward making choices that would secure a better future for the next generation. He called for unity and a focus on the common good, expressing hope that Jos East could become a beacon of peace and prosperity in Plateau State and beyond.
“God’s will for us is never to be stagnant. We are created dynamic and progressive,” he declared, urging the people to shake off the shackles of backwardness and pursue a brighter future.
The message resonated with a strong sense of urgency and hope, calling on all pastoral agents to be at the forefront of leading change and ensuring the upcoming elections reflect the will of the people.
