Aspiring politicians in Akwa Ibom state fingered in cultism should denounce their membership, Fathers of Faith has said, adding that this was necessary to gain the support of Christians in 2023.
The forum of Spiritual Fathers comprised of senior citizens who are leaders of notable and prominent churches in Akwa Ibom made the declaration in a press conference on Thursday.
The group expressed its strong condemnation and opposition to cultism and occultism in all forms, adding that known members would not be allowed “into our political system and political offices”.
Chairman of the forum, His Eminence, Sunday Mbang, Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, revealed that no governorship aspirant had been endorsed by the forum.
The former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said: “As far as I’m concerned, let me let you know that about 13 of them [aspirants] have come to me and my attitude is that they must go and address a national press conference and deny being in a cult.
“If they don’t, for us, we know that they are members of a cult. We will not have anything to do with them.
“Anybody who wants to be Governor, because of what cultism has done to our children, if he doesn’t go to the press and tell the press that he is not a member, Christians will not vote for him.”
Fathers of Faith strongly condemned cultism and occultism in all forms.
He went on to say that cultism is the reason “our politics have become polluted, violent and very expensive”.
Prelate Mbang said cultists are also very concerned about “succession and replenishing of their ranks and membership” and that “they recruit through deception and provision of material incentives and benefits”.
“We cannot, as Christian leaders, allow the continuous perversion of the characters and spirits of our citizens, hence our opposition to cultism, spreading its evil tentacles in our State and Nation,” he said.
“If we are to turn away from the insurrections, insecurities, conflicts, violence and evils that currently afflict this nation and some sections of this state, you have to join the struggles and adopt the objectives of the Spiritual Fathers’ Forum, to return the nation and her citizens to the paths of peace, morality, prosperity and good governance,” he added.
On why State Governor Udom Emmanuel appeared to prefer to invite ministers from outside the state rather than patronise the various indigenous ministers, Fathers of Faith said “we reserve our comment”.