Ado-Ekiti — Governor Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State has called on Christians in the state to take active part in politics and seek elective offices in the various elections ahead.

Adebayo in an address he delivered at a seminar organised for Christians to enable them involve in partisan politics by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ekiti State said their involvement should start right from the coming registration of voters.

The governor, however, implored Christians to demonstrate sportsmanship that is devoid of thuggery and vendetta.

The governor said the political history of the country has shown that Christians, instead of taking active part in politics, always neglect their civic responsibility and turn round to constitute themselves into critics of government.

"Christians involvement in the act of governance will, to a large extent, demonstrate the spirit of love for humanity, and show concern for justice, equality and fair play," he said.

According to him, it is ideal for Christians to always ensure that they took an active part in partisan politics so as to ensure that Christ is the heartbeat of governance.

In his paper delivered at the seminar, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti, Bishop Michael Olatunji Fagun, called on the National Assembly to legislate against any aspirant who used physical force to coerce his or her way to governance.

He also advised that Christians should rise up to their political responsibilities by seeking the mandate to rule and through the prophetic role of religious leaders.

He also urged religious leaders to always commend our rulers when they are truly at the service of the people, and condemn them or warn them if their activities are becoming a disservice to the people they govern.

In his own paper delivered at the seminar, Rev. Kunle Salami urged Christians to fight all political vices like the rigging of elections, thuggery, arson, blackmail, intimidation, character assassination, corruption, tribalism and nepotism, which make it hazardous for the practising Christian to get involved in politics.