NCPC boss urges Christian leaders to participate in politics

By Evelyn Okakwu

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, has called on Christian leaders to participate actively in the forth coming election, by registering and voting credible leaders.

A statement by the head of media and publicity (NCPC), Celestine Ogugua, said Opara made the call at the opening of the 2014 NCPC National Pre-pilgrimage retreat in Abuja, where he stated that the commission would not compromise standards in its preparations for the

2014 Christian pilgrimage.

“Let us understand that as leaders, we cannot divorce ourselves from the affairs or governance of this great nation. The future of our nation tilts on the balance. We must resolve to be part of the process.

“We must register to vote: our wives and husbands, families and congregation members too. “That is the only way to vote godly men and make policies that will move Christian Pilgrimage and the nation forward,” it stated

According to the statement, the NCPC helmsman said the management of the commission would not breach its regulations in the screening of intending pilgrims and the selection of ground handlers, air carriers and the medical team.

It said the commission has only been able to grow as a result of the trust gained by the degree of discretion employed over the six years of his leadership of the commission.

“You are witnesses that our proposal six years ago for Christian Pilgrims Family is now a reality: the structure we put in place for screening helps ensure that only genuine intending pilgrims participate in our pilgrimages. Our stakeholders: the Christian tour operators, air carriers, ground handlers and others increasingly appreciate our commitment, our agreed standards and give us their cooperation,” it stated.

Opara said that the commission would continue to improve on the administration of pilgrimage to make the exercise most rewarding for all pilgrims, stressing that the stakeholders in the sector should enable the NCPC discharge its responsibilities to Nigerians at all times.