Ahead of the Feb. 25 and March 11 federal and state elections, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Rep. Samuel Onuigbo has appealed to Christian youths in the country to actively take part in the processes.
He also dismissed insinuations that active engagement of Christian youths in politics would drag the Church to the mud.
The lawmaker who spoke on Wednesday at an interactive town hall meeting in Umuahia with the Nigeria Christian Youth Forum (NCYF), Abia Central Senatorial District said there was no doubt that the youths are future leaders.
Speaking on the theme, “Christian Youths and Politics in Nigeria: A Contested Terrain”, Onuigbo said Christian youths’ role in politics begins with obeying the simple rules and regulations of the nation.
He said: “I would argue that Christian youths participation in politics is divinely mandated.
“We are directed in Gen. 1:28 to have dominion over the fish of the sea, … and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
“Politics is not spared in this divine instruction.”
The All Progressives Congress Senatorial Candidate for Abia Central, urged the youths to get their Permanent Voter Cards in order to effect the positive change of rebuilding the nation.
Onuigbo, who described the Electoral Law 2022, as a game changer, told the youths that the general elections presented them with the opportunities to choose quality leaders.
“I urge you to embrace good governance because it is no longer about political parties, but the candidate’s character and achievements,” he said.
The two-term legislator said that he had over the past seven years at the Green Chambers, attempted to redefine leadership, while urging the youths to support his senatorial bid.
He listed numerous projects he attracted and were executed in his constituency, while promising them that he would do more if elected on Feb. 25.
Earlier, the President of NCYF, Abia chapter, Mr Eugene Okonta, said that the group had made it an obligation to devote its time and resources towards the success of the general elections.
Okonta who extolled Onuigbo for his achievements as a lawmaker, pledged the group’s support for me to win.
ABN TV reports that the youths were drawn from the six local government areas that make up Abia Central, including: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South.