A Christian leadership initiative, the Christian Citizenship Summit, convened by Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq., is set to hold across major cities in Abia State under the theme “Faith at the Ballot Box: Shaping Nations Through Godly Participation.”
The summit will begin in Umuahia at the Michael Okpara Auditorium from February 6–7, 2026. It will continue in Aba on February 13–14, 2026, at the ECWA Church, opposite Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and conclude in Ohafia from February 20–21, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church, Elu Ohafia.
The event is expected to draw Christian leaders, professionals, youths, and citizens concerned about moral leadership and national transformation. Distinguished clerics scheduled to grace the summit include Most Rev. Dr. Isaac Nwaobia, Most Rev. Raphael Opoko, and Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, alongside other respected ministers of the gospel in Abia State.
Speaking on the vision behind the summit, Pastor Ihim described Christian Citizenship as a faith-driven, non-partisan movement committed to rebuilding moral foundations, strengthening institutions, resisting corruption, upholding human dignity, and stewarding national destiny with integrity.
“Christian Citizenship prioritizes truth over falsehood, justice over injustice, service over exploitation, competence over mediocrity, and the common good over elite capture,” he said, citing John 8:32, which teaches that truth brings freedom.
According to the convener, the movement does not assess leadership on the basis of political parties, ethnicity, or denominational affiliation. Instead, it asks critical moral questions: Who protects human dignity? Who promotes justice and equity? Who governs competently? Who alleviates suffering rather than weaponizing poverty?
Quoting Matthew 7:16, Pastor Ihim stressed that leadership must be judged by its fruits, noting that this biblical standard applies to individuals, governments, political parties, and public policies alike.
He warned that when leaders normalize suffering, silence dissent, entrench corruption, and criminalize accountability, governance transcends politics and becomes a moral failure. Citing Proverbs 14:34, he emphasized that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Pastor Ihim expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current challenges including insecurity, terrorism, economic hardship, and widespread poverty—describing the situation as an existential crisis driven by systemic injustice and elite capture.
While reaffirming that Christian Citizenship remains non-partisan, he clarified that it is not neutral in the face of injustice, corruption, incompetence, or cruelty in governance. “We will take clear positions in support of leadership that liberates rather than enslaves,” he said.
The summit will also emphasize the biblical mandate of discipling nations, not just individuals, as outlined in Matthew 28:18–20. Pastor Ihim explained that the concept of “nations” encompasses tribes, races, institutions, and societal structures, underscoring the church’s responsibility to influence every sphere of society with godly values.
Describing Christian Citizenship as a fire-fueled, action-oriented movement, he said it seeks to equip believers to live out their dual citizenship heavenly and earthly by serving as effective ambassadors of Christ in governance, professional life, and the public square.
“The church must rise to its calling as the light and salt of the world,” he added. “We will speak truth to power, expose evil even when it is popular, educate consciences rather than manipulate emotions, and stand with the people, not with cabals.”
The Christian Citizenship Summit is expected to spark renewed Christian engagement toward ethical leadership, justice, and human flourishing in Nigeria.
