Christian Groups Dismiss Congratulatory Letters to Tinubu as Misguided

A coalition of Christian Youth Groups has voiced their dissent over congratulatory letters recently sent to President Bola Tinubu by the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. In their joint statement, Nath Bitrus and Agape Enioluwa, the Coordinator and Secretary of the group respectively, asserted that these letters were not an endorsement of the credibility of the election but rather a mere expression of goodwill.

According to the group, the presidential election held on February 25th was marred by extensive violence, rigging, malpractices, and other irregularities, as attested by local and foreign observers, including the European Union. Given these circumstances, they questioned the rationale behind congratulating an administration that had allegedly brought about widespread hardship and suffering within just 24 hours of its inauguration.

The coalition stated, “What is there to congratulate? Are they congratulating the government for subjecting the people to untold hardship, starvation, and even death?” They further emphasized that the Christian community remains steadfast in identifying those who genuinely prioritize the nation’s interests, truth, equity, and justice. They hold these individuals in high regard, believing that both God and history will acknowledge their noble stance. Consequently, the group regarded the congratulatory messages as misplaced, misguided, provocative, and treasonable, not only to the body of Christ but also to all advocates of democracy and justice in Nigeria.

Moreover, the coalition drew a parallel between those who ascend to power through a stolen mandate achieved via electoral fraud and the act of endorsing illegality, thereby granting legitimacy to an illegitimate regime.

In summary, the coalition of Christian Youth Groups has expressed their dissatisfaction with the congratulatory letters extended to President Bola Tinubu by the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. They maintain that these letters do not endorse the credibility of the election but are rather seen as a mere expression of goodwill.