The vice-president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Stephen Panya, has charged Christians in public office to demonstrate integrity, fairness and selfless leadership.

Mr Panya gave the charge in Abuja at the dedication of his new book titled “The God of Power, Politics and Governance” and fundraising for the Christ Manifested Ministries (CMM) Orphanage, School and Retreat Centre Complex.

He said Christian identity in public office must reflect selfless leadership, justice and respect for humanity.

“Just maintain the identity that is referential to us. And what is that identity? Provide selfless leadership. Govern the people with fairness, respecting every person as God’s creation,” he said.

Mr Panya said public office holders must reflect on the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and use their privileged positions to serve.

“The majority of public office holders have privileged personal benefits out there in society. Some people cannot guarantee the next meal in their homes. Their children are being sent out of school because they cannot afford it.

“We must reflect over this in our offices and whichever position you may hold, elective or appointive,” he said.

The cleric said true Christianity must be seen in character and conduct, especially in service to the vulnerable.

He urged Christians to practice justice from the home to the national level.

“Show respect and try to be as just as you can from your home in the family to your local community, to your local government, your state and the nation, and indeed, humanity overall. If you do that, you will live well in any part of the world,” Mr Panya added.

The cleric urged Nigerians to stop blaming leaders alone and join hands to salvage the country.

“We are all fallen, sinful, broken people living in a fallen, sinful, broken world. In the present state of things in our country, we are all responsible one way or the other.

“We should stop blaming leaders alone. We should all join hands with our leaders in order to salvage the country,” he said.

In his remarks, former lawmaker Gbeni Gbefwi said Christians must play politics by the rules to dignify and sanitise the system.

(NAN)