Nigerian Baptist Convention urges politicians to shun violence

The Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC) has called on political actors to adhere strictly to democratic rules and reject violence as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

President of the Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, made the appeal while addressing journalists on Friday ahead of the NBC’s 113th Annual Session scheduled to hold from April 18 to 23 at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Kubwa, Abuja.

Akanji stressed that while political activities ahead of the 2027 polls are inevitable, leaders must not lose focus on governance or compromise national peace.

“As we are at the verge of the electioneering season, it is imperative to urge our politicians to play the game according to the rules and shun all forms of violence and election malpractices. Our political ambition is not worth the blood of anyone,” he said.

He also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections.

The Baptist Convention, one of Nigeria’s oldest Christian bodies, used the occasion to reflect on national issues, including economic reforms, insecurity, youth migration, and infrastructural challenges.

While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing economic reforms aimed at revitalising the nation’s economy, Akanji called for stronger implementation and monitoring across all tiers of government to ensure tangible benefits for citizens.

On the growing trend of youth migration, popularly known as “Japa”, the Convention expressed concern over the loss of skilled manpower and the dangers faced by Nigerians attempting irregular migration routes. It urged the government to intensify efforts at job creation and economic stability to reverse the trend.

The NBC also decried the worsening insecurity across parts of the country, describing the persistent killings, kidnappings, and banditry as unbearable.

Akanji called on the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the crisis and advocated for reforms, including the establishment of state police to strengthen security architecture.

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“The situation where mass burials are taking place in parts of Plateau, Benue, Niger, and other states is totally unacceptable,” he said, urging security agencies and the judiciary to accelerate the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

In the area of infrastructure, the Convention acknowledged improvements in road construction but called for more urgent attention to dilapidated roads nationwide. It also highlighted the need for an efficient railway system to ease pressure on roads and reduce transportation costs.

The high cost of air travel in Nigeria was also criticised, with the Convention noting that many Nigerians now prefer to travel through neighbouring countries due to lower fares. It urged the aviation authorities to address the issue.

On education, the NBC called for a state of emergency to tackle the rising number of out-of-school children and reform the curriculum to promote employability and entrepreneurship among graduates.

The Convention further raised concerns about the power sector, describing the persistent electricity challenges as detrimental to national development. It recommended a national stakeholders’ conference to find lasting solutions.

In agriculture, the NBC linked rising food prices to insecurity in key farming regions and called on state governments to invest more in food production while ensuring adequate security for farmers.

The Convention also warned of an impending crisis in the health sector, citing the migration of medical professionals due to economic hardship. It urged the government to improve welfare for health workers and subsidise essential drugs, particularly for mental health patients.

Akanji commiserated with families affected by insecurity and called on the government to support victims, rebuild affected communities, and assist displaced persons.

He also emphasised the importance of religious freedom, urging all arms of government to promote tolerance and protect the rights of all citizens regardless of faith.

Highlighting the Convention’s legacy, Akanji noted that Baptist work in Nigeria dates back 176 years and has significantly contributed to education, healthcare, and national development through institutions such as Bowen University and Baptist medical facilities across the country.

The 113th Annual Session, themed “Entering into Newness through the Fruit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit”, is expected to bring together Baptist faithful from across Nigeria and beyond for worship, reflection, and national intercession.

Akanji expressed optimism that the gathering would foster spiritual renewal and contribute positively to national development.