Lagos — Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, has advocated the inclusion of voters' education in Sunday school lessons delivered in churches all over Nigeria.

He made the call in Lagos, weekend, at a one-day workshop on "Christian leaders and the challenge of sustaining Nigeria's democracy through voters education" organised by the Rights Monitoring Group with the support of INEC.

Iwu, who was represented at the occasion by the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Moses Ogbeh, said it had become imperative for church leaders to take it as a duty to educate their members on the need to vote and guard their votes.

He said, "The church must not be seen to be only preaching but must be seen to be communicating to the people. Voters education should form part of our Sunday school lessons. We must integrate voters' education as part of our sermons so that we will lead the flock well in making the right decision on who governs them."

Iwu, who disclosed that many of the electoral commissioners across the country lay claim to the christian faith, said there was need to begin to encourage them to live by their faith, saying "christians have to show the light wherever they are."

Earlier in his welcome address National Coordinator of RMG. Mr. Olufemi Aduwo, observed that election occupies a central place in the democratic process.

He then urged the christian leaders to mobilise support for the coming election and ensure that INEC plays its role effectively.

The workshop attracted church leaders across the country, including the Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr. Samuel Salifu, Chairman, CAN, North Central Zone, Dr. Yakubu Pam, and the President, Eclectic Network, Rev Dr. Moses Iloh.

Also present were the Primate of Church of the Lord (Aladura), Ayo Ositelu and General Overseer of Living Spring Church, Pastor Femi Emmanuel as well as a number of pastors from the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a wide range of christian denominations in Nigeria.