From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Samson Ayokunle, has stressed the need for the Federal Government to begin actions that would herald the total restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system.
The clergyman highlighted that the current state of Nigeria’s governance system will only continue to frustrate all efforts to quicken the socio-economic growth and development in the country.
CAN President who dropped the message at the 2018 International Workers’ Retreat of the Baptist Convention in Abuja yesterday, said, that at 57, Nigeria is due for restructuring, suggesting that it be done without fear or favour to all the divides.
He added: “There is the need to update how we govern ourselves, hence the loud call for restructuring which the Federal Government must listen to. However, it must be done without bias or prejudice to religion, ethnicity, class or group affiliation.
“We ought to develop and strengthen our home grown democracy. The present system was a hybrid of the American and British system and it is obvious that it is not working well for us.”
Ayokunle, who doubles as the President of Baptist Convention, added, “When we gained independence in 1960, it was a turning point in our history and a breakthrough for Nigeria’s glory to burst forth.
“Our glory shone brighter and brighter shortly after independence as we became the foremost nation in Africa and indeed among the black race. But the glory began to fade few years after and we are yet to recover it.”
He however disabuses the mind of some Christians who view politics as a plague and a dirty game. He insisted that they must have a rethink and embrace it if they desire to make impact on Nigeria’s national life.
He thus suggested a redefinition of practice of separation of state and church. While the State must not be allowed to control the Church, he encouraged the church to influence the state through Christians who are in positions of power.
He said: “To get to position of power, there was need for credible election especially in a democratic setting. And we must be fully involved in politics because it is not a dirty game as many believe, but those who play politics are the ones that are dirty.”