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Nigerian Christians Protest Muslim-Muslim Price ticket as a 'Declaration of Conflict' | Information & Reporting – ChristianityToday.com

The sector is about for Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, leaving its Christian voters in a dilemma.
In settling on applicants to switch the present head of state, Muhammadu Buhari, one dominant political birthday celebration disregarded standard protocols making sure geographic rotation of energy, whilst the opposite birthday celebration—within the face of critical warnings—deserted the standard dedication to spiritual illustration.
Believers might wasteland them each.
Africa’s most-populous country is kind of divided between a majority Muslim north and a majority Christian south. An unwritten settlement has turned around the presidency between the 2 areas. Buhari, a Muslim, hails from Borno State within the northeast.
The primary transgression, by means of geography, came about in Would possibly when the opposition Peoples Democratic Birthday celebration (PDP) nominated Atiku Abubakar from Adamawa State, additionally in Nigeria’s northeast. A Muslim, he selected as his vice-presidential operating mate Ifeanyi Okowa, the Christian governor of Delta State within the south.
One month later, the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) nominated Bola Tinubu, the Muslim former governor of Lagos State within the south. However since he hails from a Christian area, fears have been raised that his Muslim rival for president would possibly sweep the north—considered by means of many as a extra dependable vote casting bloc. Hypothesis was once rampant he would select a Muslim vice-presidential candidate to compensate.
“We can imagine such motion as a declaration of battle,” warned the Christian Affiliation of Nigeria (CAN), which represents nearly the entire country’s Protestants and Catholics. “We … will mobilize politically towards any political birthday celebration that sows the seed of non secular warfare.” CAN additionally opposes any Christian-Christian political price ticket as neatly.
Equivalent statements have been issued by means of two of CAN’s 5 blocs: the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria—“Meet us on the polls,” it stated—and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
Opposition prolonged past faith.
The civil society Heart Belt Discussion board warned the APC towards breaking Nigerian cohesion. And a leaked safety document—denied by means of Buhari—stated this type of selection would destabilize the country and chance Christian lives.
Tinubu defied all of them.
“I consider that is the person who can assist me carry the most efficient governance to all Nigerians,” he stated on July 10, protecting his number of the Muslim former governor of Borno, Kashim Shettima. “On this a very powerful second, the place such a lot is at stake, we will have to prioritize management, competence, and the power to paintings as a crew over different concerns.”
The vice chairman of Nigeria holds no formal energy. However Christians have been aghast on the affront.
“In a rustic with 100 million folks in every faith, are you pronouncing there’s no competent Christian who will also be your spouse?” requested Samson Ayokunle, the outgoing president of CAN. “If you’re selecting a Muslim, it approach you could have an schedule.”
Ayokunle, a Baptist, confident that CAN, which this week will rotate to new management, has no choice in relation to political events. Tinubu ruled Lagos neatly, he stated, and Abubakar hasn’t ever picked a struggle with Christians.
Then again, “CAN stated loud and transparent that we can train a lesson to any birthday celebration with a Muslim-Muslim price ticket,” Ayokunle informed CT. The one complication? “Christians have no longer been vote casting sufficient.”
It can be about to modify.
Denominations throughout Nigeria have introduced voter registration campaigns. Some church buildings have even barred Christians from Sunday worship till they provide their non-public voter card, stated Joseph Hayab, CAN chairman for Kaduna State in Nigeria’s north.
“Executive was once instituted by means of God,” he stated. “I’d be an irresponsible kid not to be concerned, as I’ve to maintain my Father’s assets.”
A Baptist, Hayab stated the Nigeria Baptist Conference first focused this factor in its 2018 normal meeting, in quest of to opposite a mentality that originated with overseas missionaries 150 years in the past. Again then, Hayab stated, Nigerian Christians got here to be told that politics was once “grimy,” to be left to these much less robust within the religion. And over the years, Nigerian Muslims took over.
Nowadays Hayab urges believers to enroll in all political events, to be able to trade them from inside of. Whilst important of the APC determination, he referred to as additionally for introspection.
“Possibly it’s the Christians in that birthday celebration which might be incompetent,” he stated, “of their capability to mobilize improve for his or her birthday celebration.”
But when the vice-presidential selection will inspire Christians towards the APC, the PDP additionally faces a non secular hurdle. Ultimate Would possibly, Abubakar deleted a tweet condemning the mob homicide of Deborah Samuel, who was once accused of blasphemy towards Islam, when he confronted Muslim pushback within the north.
One remark claimed the condemnation would value him 1,000,000 votes in Sokoto, house to Nigeria’s historic sultanate, regardless of the Muslim council condemning the killing. Previous this month on the World Non secular Freedom Summit in Washington, an legit consultant of the sultan signed a “Declaration for a Non violent and Safe Nigeria” with Ayokunle.
“Other folks really feel they won’t be capable of vote for anyone who can not stand company,” the CAN president stated of Abubakar. “Others really feel that each one earlier governments have failed, so why vote for any individual?”
The early life wing of CAN vowed to withhold votes from any candidate who does no longer obviously condemn Samuel’s homicide. Tinubu—whose spouse is an ordained pastor within the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a outstanding Pentecostal denomination—has stored mum.
Gideon Para-Mallam has no longer.
On the time, the previous Jos-based Africa ambassador for the World Fellowship of Evangelical Scholars referred to as for calm as he joined protests towards the killing. He laid blame at the Buhari management, and his phrases are even more potent now.
“The birthday celebration is a disservice to Nigeria and humanity,” stated Para-Mallam. “Any other APC presidency will herald complete genocide.”
The issues predate Buhari’s 8 years in energy. Since 1999, Christian advocates blame militants some of the Fulani herdsmen, who’re predominantly Muslim, for the deaths of over 20,000 most commonly Christian farmers and the displacement of loads of 1000’s. Since 2009, Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist crew, has killed 35,000 Muslims and Christians alike.
However lately, assaults on church buildings have escalated: 18 tallied in 2020, and 31 the next yr. The primary six months of 2022 have witnessed 23. Open Doorways ranked Nigeria an ignoble No. 1 in its annual world tally of Christians killed (4,650) or kidnapped (2,510), in addition to Christians’ properties and retail outlets attacked (a symbolic tally of one,000 every), for faith-based causes.
Nigeria is ranked No. 7 total at the Global Watch Listing of the 50 international locations the place it’s toughest to be a Christian. Open Doorways USA not too long ago highlighted 10 Nigerian martyrs during the last decade, maximum throughout the previous few years.
Even though there are honorable politicians throughout the APC, on the nationwide stage it’s “stuffed with bigotry, a birthday celebration of deceit,” stated Para-Mallam. Bringing the latter rather out into the open, one APC legit stated the standards in opting for a vice-presidential candidate went past their competency.
“Politics is all about technique for profitable election,” stated Usman Garba, from Kaduna. “Within the present scenario, it’s strategic to select a Muslim from the North.”
Such an association was once final tried 3 many years in the past—and gained. But it surely was once briefly scuttled by means of an army coup, and democratic governance didn’t go back till 1999.
“I can no longer and can not forget about the spiritual considerations and ethnic sensitivities of our folks,” stated Tinubu in a 35-point commentary. But, he argued, “The spirit of 1993 is upon us once more in 2023.”
Will it paintings? Para-Mallam counsels Christians and fair-minded Muslims to forged their poll for Peter Obi, the presidential nominee of the smaller Exertions birthday celebration—for his competency, no longer for his religion or ethnicity. From Anambra State within the southeast, the Catholic baby-kisser has selected Muslim former senator Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, from Kaduna, as his operating mate.
Some media studies have touted the 60-year-old candidate as well-liked by the early life—in comparison to the 75-year-old Abubakar or the 70-year-old Tinubu. Even though rare on the polls, Nigeria’s more youthful citizens may just constitute as much as 70 % of the voters if mobilized.
Obi will have issue profitable over different demographics, on the other hand. Baba-Ahmed was once criticized for his feedback declaring he needs to be recognized for his {qualifications}, no longer as a Muslim or a northerner.
Christian resources validated this standpoint to CT; on the other hand, additionally they say it isn’t but viable on the nationwide stage.
“Ordinarily, there would had been not anything fallacious with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian price ticket in a democratic dispensation if … the overriding need for in quest of political workplace is the fostering of the average excellent,” said the Catholic Secretariat. “However one can not in point of fact say so of our nation these days.”
Ultimate month, dozens have been killed in a terrorist assault all over Mass.
With seven months till the primary spherical of presidential elections, time stays for citizens to gravitate to the outsider Christian contestant, the PDP’s break up spiritual price ticket, or the APC’s Muslim-Muslim duo. A runoff will happen except one candidate tops 50 % total, with a minimum of 25 % of votes in 24 of Nigeria’s 36 states.
“Many of us are pronouncing it isn’t the flip of Muslims to take over from a Muslim,” stated Ayokunle. “Now we have noticed 8 years of instability; we want recent water.”
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The Friend Who Sticks Closer than a Brother

Embracing True Friendship: The Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother
Friendship is a valuable asset that enriches our lives by providing companionship, support, and a shoulder to cry on. But have you ever had a buddy who goes above and beyond—someone who remains closer than a brother? In a world where relationships can be fickle, a friend who sticks by us through thick and thin is a rare and priceless gift.
More Than Just Blood Ties
Consider the tie between siblings, which is based on blood and shared history. Consider a buddy who is more than just a family member. “One who has untrustworthy friends soon comes to ruin,” says Proverbs 18:24 (NIV), “but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse describes a friendship that goes beyond basic conditions. It’s a bond founded on trust, loyalty, and real concern for one another.
Continuous Support
Consider a buddy who is present not only during happy times but also during difficult times. This type of friend is unconcerned about changing circumstances or personal gain. They provide their presence, encouragement, and steadfast support.
Jesus expresses the core of such friendship in John 15:13 (NIV): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. This selfless affection serves as the foundation for a lasting connection.
Journeys Together
Consider a friend you’ve shared many stages of life with—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This shared experience forges a link that extends beyond surface-level exchanges. The value of companionship is brilliantly captured in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV): “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
A friend who sticks closer than a brother is someone who goes beside us through life’s ups and downs, lending a solid hand and an ear to listen.
A Mirror of God’s Love
As a symbol of God’s love for us, consider the buddy who sticks closer than a brother. God Himself offers an unbroken, unchanging, and everlasting companionship. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” says the Bible in Romans 8:38–39.
God’s love is the ultimate paradigm of true friendship—a love that is not conditional but remains faithful regardless of what happens.
Conclusion: Value true friendship.
A friend who sticks closer to you than a sibling is a treasure to be treasured. This type of friendship is founded on love, trust, and mutual care rather than convenience or shared interests. May we seek to be that sort of friend to others in our lives, just as God offers us His unfailing love.
In a world where relationships can be fleeting, let us create friendships that will endure. Let us be the sort of friends who are present in both joy and sadness, who offer unconditional support, and who mirror God’s unfailing love. We are reminded of the beauty of true friendship, which clings closer than a brother, as we welcome and cherish these unique and valuable ties.
God
The Just God

The Just God: The Divine Balance of Justice and Mercy
The concept of justice is intertwined with the fabric of human society. We seek justice, responsibility, and reparation for wrongs done. But have you ever pondered a God who is not only just but also perfectly just? The Just God is a lighthouse of truth and righteousness, providing a profound awareness of justice and kindness that transcends human comprehension.
Justice in Pursuit
Consider a world where wrongdoers go unpunished and the disadvantaged have no recourse. The pursuit of justice is a natural human goal that reflects a feeling of rightness and order. And if we as humans value justice, how much more should the Creator of the universe, who is completely just?
According to Deuteronomy 32:4 (NIV), “He is the rock; his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. He is a loyal God who does no wrong, who is straight and just. This verse reveals God’s character, which is characterized by unwavering justice.
Justice and Mercy in Balance
Consider yourself in front of a judge who holds you accountable for every action and decision you make. Imagine that same judge showing mercy and giving you a second opportunity despite the evidence against you. The just God is kind as well as just.
This delicate balance is captured in Psalm 103:10–11 (NIV): “He does not treat us as our sins deserve, nor does He repay us according to our iniquities. For his love for people who fear him is as high as the skies are above the earth. God’s justice is balanced by his unending love and kindness.
The Redemption of Justice
Consider a debt that you will never be able to repay—a debt of mistakes and wrongs that weigh heavy on your soul. In His perfect justice, the just God provides a solution. God provides a mechanism for justice to be served and redemption to be offered through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” says Romans 3:23–24 (NIV), “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. This is an example of justice being met via the redemptive act of Christ’s sacrifice.
A Call to Justice
Consider a society in which justice is not simply a notion but a way of life. In our interactions with others, the just God calls us to exemplify justice. Micah 6:8 (NIV) states unequivocally, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. What does the Lord expect of you? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Living justly entails treating people with fairness, compassion, and respect, as the character of the just God requires.
Finishing: Adoring the Just God
The Just God asks us to comprehend the breadth of His justice—a justice that supports truth, requires accountability, and strikes a balance between mercy and justice. God’s justice and mercy merge in the person of Jesus Christ, offering us redemption and restoration.
May we turn to the just God as our ultimate standard as we traverse a world that frequently grapples with issues of fairness. May we seek His wisdom and counsel in order to live justly and treat others with love and justice. We find not only a paradigm of perfect justice but also an invitation to experience the transformative power of His kindness when we embrace the Just God.
God
The Pleasure of Serving Others: A Pathway to Achievement

The Pleasure of Serving Others: A Highway to Contentment
Have you ever ever felt the nice and cozy glow that effects from lending a serving to hand to a stranger, the enjoyment that lasts for days after the act of kindness? That emotion offers a way of the pride of serving to others. The straightforward act of serving to can give us a sense of function and pleasure in contrast to the rest in a society that incessantly pushes us to place our consideration on ourselves.
The Want to Serve
Believe a society the place everybody labored to fortify the lives of people of their instant neighborhood. The need to lend a serving to hand, proportion a load, and supply comfort is on the core of carrier. The instance used to be established through Jesus Himself when he stated, “For even the Son of Guy didn’t come to be served, however to serve, and to provide his lifestyles as a ransom for plenty of.” (NIV, Mark 10:45)
Serving others is extra than just a nice deed; it is a way to emulate the compassion and love that Christ proven for us.
Discovering Pleasure in Selfless Giving
Believe spending time with the aged or going to a neighborhood refuge to hear their stories and cause them to really feel essential. Those tiny acts of kindness won’t appear to be a lot, however they be capable to make any person’s day higher, create relationships, and toughen a sense of group.
A better feeling of pleasure emerges after we set aside our personal issues and be aware of the wishes of others. The Bible admonishes us, “Every of you can use no matter present you’ve gotten won to serve others, as trustworthy stewards of God’s grace in its more than a few paperwork.” (NIV) 1 Peter 4:10 We specific the particular talents God has given us through serving others, and it’s in those deeds of carrier that we discover authentic pleasure.
Have an effect on Unmeasurable
Take into consideration the impact if all of us realized to experience serving to others. If we take a bit spoil from our tense schedules to lend a hand a neighbor, supply a sympathetic ear, or donate cash to a reason we reinforce. Small acts of kindness have the facility to unfold, sparking a sequence response of generosity and optimistic exchange.
In step with the NIV translation of Matthew 25:40, Jesus stated, “Actually I inform you, no matter you probably did for this sort of least of those brothers and sisters of mine, you probably did for me.” No longer simplest can we fortify the lives of other folks we serve, however we additionally perform Jesus’ command to like and deal with the ones round us.
Development Relationships and Connections
Believe the sensation of camaraderie that comes from cooperating with others to reach a shared purpose. Folks come in combination via carrier, growing ties and friendships that differently won’t have took place. It serves as a reminder that we’re all part of a broader group, and that group would possibly take pleasure in the acts we do.
Serving others permits us to peer the arena from many angles and to realize the demanding situations and victories of other folks round us. Our lives are enriched and {our relationships} are deepened through this sensitivity.
Conclusion: Discovering Contentment Via Carrier
Every people has a skill that is able to be opened: the pleasure of serving to others. It serves as a reminder that our lives are meant to be about extra than just our personal pursuits; they’re an opportunity to fortify the lives of others.
Let’s thus embody the pride of serving to others, if it is by means of deeds of kindness, volunteering, or simply being conscious about their wishes. The easy act of serving would possibly supply mild and hope in a global that every so often turns out overwhelming. As we emulate Christ and prolong ourselves in love, we no longer simplest exchange the lives of others but additionally revel in a deep feeling of success and enjoyment that overflows into our personal hearts.
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