Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Chief John Mike Abdu, has urged the church to remain resolute in the promotion of good moral values of the people.

Chief Abdul gave this charge while speaking in his capacity as chairman of the occasion of a Special Banquet organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Nasarawa State branch, held at the Nasarawa Investment Hotel conference hall, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

According to him, “the church exists to propagate the gospel and such cardinal objective should be sustained”, adding that the Church should continue to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the populace.

He urged the clergy to remain steadfast and continue to persevere in the service to humanity in order to emulate Christ, who, he said, laid his life in the struggle for the down-trodden and less-privileged.

The deputy governor commended the state chapter of CAN for convening the programme, expressing his optimism that such events would empower Christians morally, socially and politically.

The guest lecturer, Reverend Father Mathew Hassan Kukah, in his lecture titled “Christians’ participation in politics: Matters arising”, observed that politics should not be a do or die affair, stressing that it is a call to service by God using human beings to choose whom they know is good.

Represented by Kaduna State Secretary of CAN, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Reverend Father Kukah said “there is the need to learn to groom leaders from among the youths to prepare them for future political responsibilities”, adding however, that “they should bring in Christian values into politics”.

The guest speaker admonished politicians who always forget God after winning elections to have a rethink, warning that God could take such leadership away from them at any time He wishes and give it to whomever He pleases.

“What should remain intact” Reverend Kukah said, “is our faith and nation” even in the face of losing an election, adding that in politics majority cannot do without the minority and vise-versa.

He gave kudos to Nasarawa CAN for organizing the banquet, saying it was good to put heads together as brothers in the name of the church to foster unity.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Nasarawa State CAN chairman, Reverend Jerry Madibo, said the essence of the banquet was to foster love and unity through fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters regardless of the denominations.

He said that such gatherings would help unite Christian, adding that it was in line with biblical injunction not to forsake fellowship.

There were several goodwill messages cutting across religious, traditional and political strata.  Notable among the speakers of the occasion included the three former deputy governor of Nasarawa State in the persons of Barrister Solomon Ewuga, Professor Onje Gye-Wado and Mr. Labaran Maku.  They all spoke on the need for unity amongst Christians, urging faithful to always strive to work together.