By PETER TITLE
The Church and traditional institutions have been urged to take a leading role in rebuilding unity, restoring peace and reawakening moral values across Plateau State and the nation, as the President of the Church of Christ in Nations, COCIN, Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo, was elected for a second term.
Governor Mutfwang of Plateau State emphasised that the moral and spiritual health of the state was closely tied to the Church, declaring, “If the Church does not get it right, Plateau will not get it right.”
He made the call during the 108th General Church Council (GCC) of COCIN held at the Church headquarters in Jos.
The gathering brought together Church leaders, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and traditional rulers, including the Gbong Gwom Jos represented by the Ujah Anaguta, Pozoh Johnson Jauro Magaji II, the Agwom Izere, the Miskaham Mwaghavul, Da Putmang Hirse, the Attah Aten of Ganawuri, Yakubu Chaimang, and the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit.
Addressing attendees at the opening session, Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the Church’s role as the conscience of society, urging its leaders to demonstrate moral courage and lead by example: “The Church must be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
He added, “Those of us in government were nurtured by the Church, and we have a duty to uphold its values and preserve its integrity through our actions in public service.”
Expressing concern over disunity within the Nigerian Church, the governor appealed for a renewed sense of purpose and collective voice: “The Church must speak with one voice. Let us reconnect with our brethren across the nation and work together for peace, justice, and national progress.”
Highlighting his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda, Governor Mutfwang disclosed that Plateau State would soon take delivery of high-yield varieties of Plateau Potatoes to boost food production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
“Before the end of this month, we will begin distributing new potato seeds to registered farmers. Our prosperity lies in agriculture, and we are determined to make Plateau the hub of agribusiness in Nigeria,” he stressed.
He further announced plans to modernize livestock management through improved cattle breeds to enhance dairy productivity, noting that the adoption of global best practices to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Assuring citizens that his administration remained sensitive to the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Governor Mutfwang emphasised a methodical and sustainable approach to resettlement, adding, “We are taking a careful and coordinated approach to ensure lasting solutions. We appeal for patience and understanding as we work to get it right.”
Governor Mutfwang commended the Church for its consistent prayers and partnership with the government, calling for sustained collaboration towards building a united, peaceful and prosperous Plateau.
Meanwhile, the COCIN General Church Council deliberated extensively on the sanctity and neutrality of the pulpit, especially as Nigeria approached another election cycle.
The Council resolved that the pulpit must never be used for partisan endorsement or political campaigns, stressing that such actions “erode the moral authority of the Church’s message.”
COCIN President, Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mohzo, reminded church leaders to safeguard the sacredness of the pulpit: “The pulpit is not a place for politics, but a sacred ground for proclaiming the Word of God.”
He urged clerics to speak truth to power, protect the purity of worship and preserve the Church’s prophetic credibility as a beacon of Christ’s light in a nation yearning for truth and righteousness.
Traditional rulers at the gathering also reaffirmed their commitment to partner with the government and the Church to tackle insecurity and end the persistent destruction of lives and property across the state.