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Former Niger State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) Chairman, Mr. Peterson Kaura, has blamed politically orchestrated enmity in government on the failure of elected and appointed office holders who are expected to serve the people diligently by providing dividends of democracy with all sincerity, not minding political, religious and tribal differences.
Against general insinuations that politics is a dirty game, Christians have been encouraged to discountenance the claim and join mainstream politics and strive to be part of decision-making in governance and at party levels where they should compete alongside others instead of criticizing unfavourable government policies and programmes.
Mr. Kaura, who said he never had the opportunity to actively participate in politics when compared to what is obtainable today because it wasn’t permissible for them to be in politics, told Nigerian Christians, youths, male and female, to join politics and ensure that they become part of decision-making to end criticisms over distribution of democratic dividends.
The 87-year-old retired civil servant, who argued that the era of sitting on the fence and lamenting denials by those that participate and decide on who gets what should be a thing of the past, said, “If you think politics is dirty, go in with Christian virtues and change or clean it for the better if you like”.
It is necessary for Christians to exhibit good conduct and virtues when they are elected into positions of authority or in politics; this, according to Peterson Kaura, will make lots of difference in proving that they can be trusted as people who have the fear of God to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
Acknowledging that some Christians have proved their worth in serving citizens diligently and unbiased, Kaura gave a biblical view of what it means to lead with the fear of God, saying, “Ye are the light of the world, so let your light shine before men that they will glorify God”.
Christians in this part of Nigeria complain of marginalization, discrimination, and/or denials, and lack of equity is because those they trusted with leadership positions to be fair and just to all irrespective of tribal or religious differences, but unfortunately, when it comes to sharing of democracy dividends, those in power will grab all for themselves, their families, associates, friends, and loved ones.
“You shouldn’t stay by the side and criticize what was given to you. If you were not there, you will not have a say”, Kaura admonished Christians, adding that joining mainstream politics will give them equal representation where decisions on who gets what politically are made.
The essence of seeking elective positions is to serve the people, but some politicians act differently when they get into office by promoting personal religious and tribal agendas; this, according to Kaura, brings about resentment and eventual rise in agitations for change in administration.
Peterson Kaura therefore called on Nigerian politicians to strive to live according to electioneering campaign promises to serve citizens above personal gains.
Advising Nigerian politicians on the need to shun selfishness and work for the people that gave them the mandate, Kaura said, “Once God puts you there, try and work for the good of everybody irrespective of whether they voted for you or not, carry everyone along”.
