By Chimaobi Nwaiwu
NNEWI — The Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has urged the Federal Government to view the observations made by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) during their recent visit to President Bola Tinubu as sincere counsel aimed at strengthening leadership rather than partisan opposition.
The council also called for constructive engagement between the government and faith-based institutions, describing such interaction as essential for promoting national peace, justice, good governance and sustainable development.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, His Lordship Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama, CEPCCN said the call had become necessary following the public debate that trailed the bishops’ meeting with the President and subsequent reactions from government officials.
The statement titled, “A Respectful Appeal for Constructive Engagement Between Government and the Church,” emphasised the need for mutual respect and open dialogue between the government and religious institutions.
CEPCCN said: “The Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has followed with keen interest the recent public discourse arising from observations made by Christian leaders concerning the state of the nation and the responses from government representatives.
“As a non-partisan Christian consultative, advisory and policy institution, CEPCCN believes that constructive engagement between government and faith-based institutions is essential for promoting national peace, justice, good governance and sustainable development.”
The council noted that the Church has over the years played a significant role in nation-building through education, healthcare delivery, humanitarian interventions, moral instruction, peace-building and community development.
It added that Christian leaders have the responsibility to raise concerns on issues affecting Nigerians, stressing that such interventions should be regarded as constructive civic engagement rather than political opposition.
“Such contributions are consistent with the constitutional freedoms of expression, association and religion and should be viewed as constructive civic engagement, rather than partisan opposition,” the statement added.
The group recalled that sincere advice strengthens leadership, citing the biblical admonition that “faithful are the wounds of a friend,” and urged leaders to embrace honest counsel when offered in good faith.
CEPCCN encouraged the Federal Government to continue engaging religious institutions, professional bodies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders with openness and willingness to listen.
“Constructive criticism should not automatically be interpreted as hostility but appreciated as an opportunity to strengthen public policy, improve governance and deepen public confidence,” it said.
The council, however, urged religious leaders to ensure that their interventions remain responsible, objective and guided by the principles of truth, justice, compassion, national unity and the common good.
It also called for renewed efforts by government to address critical national challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, healthcare and education.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, CEPCCN appealed to political leaders, government institutions, traditional rulers, professional bodies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to place national interest above partisan considerations.
The council stressed that democracy thrives where there is accountability, institutional independence and responsible citizen participation.
“Dialogue should prevail over confrontation, consultation over suspicion, and statesmanship over division,” it said.
CEPCCN reaffirmed that mutual respect between government and faith-based institutions would promote national stability, public trust and social cohesion, urging all stakeholders to work together towards building a peaceful, just and prosperous Nigeria.
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