POLICY POSITION PAPER On Institutional Religious Alignment, Soft Systemic Theocracy, and Nigeria’s Democratic Pluralism Issued by: Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) Title Safeguarding Nigeria’s Constitutional Pluralism: A Policy Analysis of Soft Religious Statecraft, Institutional Alignment, and Emerging Civilizational Governance Patterns Executive Summary The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) affirms Nigeria’s sovereign right to pursue diplomatic, economic, and security partnerships with nations across the world. We recognize the importance of international cooperation in trade, counterterrorism, education, and development. However, CSMN raises a formal constitutional, ethical, and policy concern regarding the gradual institutional integration of religiously-derived frameworks into Nigeria’s state systems, foreign policy alignments, and regulatory architecture. Recent developments — including Nigeria’s deepening strategic partnership with the Republic of Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the signing of multiple bilateral agreements with religious and civilizational implications, and the announcement by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) regarding the planned integration of global Islamic finance standards into the Nigerian Financial Reporting Framework (NFRF) — reflect a broader pattern of soft systemic religious statecraft. This pattern does not operate through violence, legislation, or constitutional amendment, but through policy normalization, regulatory harmonization, and institutional embedding. CSMN asserts that such developments pose a risk to: • Nigeria’s constitutional religious neutrality • Democratic pluralism • Civic inclusion • Equal citizenship • Institutional balance • National cohesion This paper articulates a principled Christian, constitutional, and civic response — not rooted in hostility, but in justice, pluralism, and national unity. 1. Contextual Background Nigeria is a constitutionally plural republic composed of diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural communities. Its stability depends not on religious dominance but on equitable inclusion and neutral governance. The nation already faces Christian persecution and genocide: • Sectarian insecurity • Religious extremism • Communal distrust • Identity-based conflicts • Weak interfaith confidence In such a fragile environment, state symbolism, policy direction, and institutional alignment carry national significance beyond administrative intent. 2. Turkey Partnership and Civilizational Statecraft Turkey under President Erdoğan represents a religiously reintegrated state model, where religion is no longer confined to private life but integrated into: • Governance identity • Education systems • Foreign policy • Media diplomacy • Economic frameworks • Cultural diplomacy Nigeria’s strategic alignment with Turkey includes agreements in: • Defence cooperation • Trade and economic frameworks • Halal quality assurance • Education and higher education • Media and communication • Diaspora policy • Diplomatic training institutions These partnerships, while diplomatically legitimate, reflect civilizational statecraft, not neutral globalization. 3. Financial Systems as Governance Infrastructure The announcement by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) that global Islamic finance standards are to be integrated into the Nigerian Financial Reporting Framework (NFRF) represents a significant structural development. Financial and regulatory systems are not neutral technologies; they are value-encoding infrastructures that shape: • Ethical norms • Institutional behavior • Economic identity • National regulatory culture • Governance philosophy When religiously-derived financial models are embedded in national regulatory frameworks, religion shifts from private belief to public governance architecture. This constitutes institutional religious integration, not religious freedom. 4. Pattern Recognition: Systemic, Not Isolated Events When viewed holistically, the following developments form a coherent pattern: • Religious trade standards (Halal frameworks) • Defence cooperation with religiously ideological states • Educational and cultural cooperation frameworks • Media and communication partnerships • Diaspora governance cooperation • Turkey diplomatic alignment • Financial system integration of Islamic standards • Regulatory harmonization with religious governance models This reflects systemic institutional alignment, not random policy choices. This is not violent but “Taqiyyah” Not militant but Political Islam Not coercive but Islamism Not declarative but state capture. It is bureaucratic, gradual, normalized, and structural. This is the nature of soft systemic religious statecraft. 5. Christian Social Ethics and State Power Christian social theology affirms: • The dignity of all persons • The neutrality of the state • Justice as the foundation of governance • Protection of minorities • Pluralism as social stability • Power as stewardship, not domination Scripture recognizes that injustice often operates through systems and structures, not merely individuals (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, Christian ethics demand discernment in policy direction, not silence. 6. Constitutional Implications Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees: • Freedom of religion • Equal citizenship • Religious neutrality of the state • Non-establishment of state religion • Plural civic identity Institutional religious integration — even without formal declaration — risks: • Policy asymmetry • Religious exclusion • Structural inequality • Civic alienation • Erosion of trust • National fragmentation 7. CSMN Policy Position The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) formally affirms: 1. Diplomacy is legitimate, but civilizational alignment must be balanced. 2. Trade is necessary, but religious asymmetry must be avoided. 3. Security cooperation is valid, but ideological outsourcing is unacceptable. 4. Religious freedom is sacred, but institutional religious governance is not constitutional. 5. Pluralism is non-negotiable in Nigeria’s national identity. 8. Policy Recommendations A. Constitutional Safeguards Reaffirm religious neutrality in all foreign policy, trade, and regulatory frameworks. B. Religious Impact Assessments Mandatory interfaith and religious neutrality audits for all international agreements. C. Balanced Diplomatic Architecture Strategic partnerships must reflect Nigeria’s plural identity, not civilizational alignment. D. Regulatory Neutrality National frameworks must remain religiously neutral and inclusive. E. Interfaith Governance Structures Establish permanent interfaith policy councils within key ministries. F. Civic Oversight Mechanisms Independent civil society monitoring of policy-religion intersections. 9. Clarification of Position CSMN rejects: • Christian persecution • Illegitimate extension of the Islamic tradition into Government policy • Communal hostility • Islamization • Existential Threat to Indigenous People • Political violence This position is not against Muslims as citizens of this country. It is not against religious freedom, but it is a constitutional and policy critique of state direction and institutional alignment. Conclusion Nigeria must not evolve into a soft theocratic state through regulatory normalization. It must not substitute pluralism with partnership with known sponsors of terrorism. It must not trade neutrality for alignment with an enemy of a united Nigeria It must not exchange citizenship for civilizational identity. True national stability is built on: • Neutral institutions • Balanced diplomacy • Inclusive governance • Constitutional fidelity • Religious equality • Civic trust Nigeria’s strength is not in religious dominance, but in plural unity. Proposed by: Kingsley Shola Ayinde

https://guardian.ng/news/csmn-urges-expedited-action-on-proposed-intervention-in-nigeria-to-end-bloodshed/

CSMN urges expedited action on proposed intervention in Nigeria to end bloodshed https://guardian.ng/news/csmn-urges-expedited-action-on-proposed-intervention-in-nigeria-to-end-bloodshed/

INTERNATIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE CHRISTIAN SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF NIGERIA (CSMN) In collaboration with: • International Coalition Against Christian Genocide in Nigeria • National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) • Middle Belt Voice • The Apostolic Round Table • Lay Faithful Trust Foundation • The National Prayer Altar • Stephanos Foundation • Education-Must-Continue-Initiative • God’s Sovereign Army of Intercessors Ministry Cordially invite the public to an International Conference with the theme: GENOCIDE AGAINST CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA: FACT OR FICTION? Date: Thursday 20th November 2025 Time: 10.00 am (Nigeria time) Venue: ZOOM https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87071061989?pwd=M81xZekYau2yRbpzchS4XhgdFSl8oe.1 Meeting ID: 870 7106 1989 Passcode: 831282 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 2 Cor. 13:8 By the order of the Governing Council, Bosun Emmanuel CEO

Nigeria Is in Crisis: She Needs Statesmen to Fix Her, Not Politicians “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” – Frederick Douglass “The greatest danger to the State is independent intellectual criticism.” – Murray Rothbard “The State is the systematization of the predatory process over a given territory.” – Franz Oppenheimer Introduction Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy by GDP, is battling an existential crisis. Over six decades after independence, the nation continues to lurch from one crisis to another — economic collapse, extreme insecurity, chronic corruption, social fragmentation, and institutional decay. The root cause? A bankrupt political class that thrives on manipulation, patronage, and a zero-sum view of power. The current Nigerian crisis cannot be resolved by politicians, for they are the very architects and beneficiaries of the broken system. It is statesmen — men and women of integrity, foresight, and sacrifice — who can heal Nigeria’s festering wounds. To understand the depth of the crisis and the way forward, we must take a comprehensive look at Nigeria’s historical trajectory, structural failures, and leadership deficit. 1. Nigeria’s Economic Nightmare: A History of Squandered Opportunities Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has earned over $1 trillion in oil revenue. Yet, more than 133 million Nigerians — about 63% of the population — live in multidimensional poverty (NBS, 2022). Nigeria overtook India in 2018 as the country with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty. Key Economic Indicators (1960–2024): Unemployment: Currently at 33% (NBS, 2023); youth unemployment is over 42%. Inflation: As of 2024, inflation stands at over 30%, driven by food prices, energy shocks, and monetary instability. Public Debt: Nigeria’s debt has ballooned from ₦2.4 trillion in 2006 to over ₦97 trillion in 2024. Debt servicing now consumes over 90% of government revenue. Currency Devaluation: From ₦1 = $0.80 in 1980 to over ₦1,500 = $1 in 2024. Industrial Collapse: Over 70% of Nigeria’s manufacturing firms operate below capacity or have shut down due to epileptic power supply, corruption, and insecurity. This economic failure is not by accident — it is the product of predatory governance. As Franz Oppenheimer rightly explained, when a band of elites seizes power to extract wealth by political means rather than by production or innovation, a parasitic state emerges — this has been Nigeria’s fate. 2. Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege The Nigerian state has lost its monopoly over violence. From Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, to bandits in the Northwest, herdsmen militias in the Middle Belt, secessionist agitations in the Southeast, cult wars in the South-South, and rising urban crime, the entire nation is at war with itself. Casualty Statistics: Boko Haram Insurgency (2009–2024): Over 100,000 lives lost, more than 2.5 million displaced. Banditry in the Northwest (2015–2024): Over 12,000 deaths, hundreds of schoolchildren kidnapped. Farmer-Herder Clashes: Over 4,000 lives lost in the last five years alone. IPOB and Security Forces Clashes: Over 1,500 deaths since 2020. The inability — or unwillingness — of the political class to address root causes such as poverty, inequality, and ethnic tension has allowed non-state actors to flourish. 3. A Broken Social Contract The fundamental basis of governance is a social contract: the governed surrender certain freedoms in exchange for protection and services. In Nigeria, that contract is in tatters. Citizens receive neither protection, nor infrastructure, nor justice. Rather, they are taxed, exploited, and ignored. *Public trust in institutions is at an all-time low:* Police: Ranked among the worst globally in public perception and corruption. Elections: Marred by vote-buying, violence, and rigging — 2023 general elections recorded lowest turnout in history (27%). Education: Over 20 million out-of-school children. Healthcare: Nigeria accounts for 20% of global maternal deaths despite being only 2.5% of the world’s population. 4. Leadership Crisis: The Root of All Problems Politicians in Nigeria see public office as a reward and means of accumulation, not a platform for service. As the popular saying goes, “politicians think of the next election; statesmen think of the next generation.” From Tafawa Balewa to Buhari, Nigeria’s leadership has been largely reactive, transactional, and self-serving. Despite pockets of progress under leaders like Obafemi Awolowo (as Premier of the Southwest), Murtala Mohammed (as Military Head of State), or Dora Akunyili (as minister), the system remains rigged against visionaries and reformers. 5. A Compromised Constitution: The Sharia Contradiction The 1999 Constitution is riddled with contradictions and imbalances. It proclaims Nigeria a secular state, yet embeds Sharia law into the justice system of some states. This dual system undermines national unity and violates the rights of non-Muslims in affected regions. 12 Northern states operate Sharia courts, with cases of amputations, floggings, and religious persecution. This contradicts the universal application of civil law and creates two-tiered citizenship. The constitution, imposed by a military junta, was never subjected to a referendum and lacks legitimacy. Without a people-driven constitution, the Nigerian union remains structurally defective. 6. Why Politicians Can’t Fix Nigeria Politicians thrive on the status quo. Their loyalty is not to the nation but to godfathers, ethnic cliques, or economic interests. They: View governance as patronage. Weaponize poverty to win votes. Lack ideological commitments. Suppress dissent and intellectual independence — the very threat Rothbard warned about. *Nigeria is structured to benefit the elite at the expense of the masses. Expecting politicians to dismantle a system that enriches them is wishful thinking.* 7. Statesmen: The Urgent Need of the Hour A statesman is defined by vision, moral courage, and commitment to the public good. Unlike politicians, statesmen seek legacy, not luxury. Qualities we must demand in leaders: Character: Integrity, discipline, and faithfulness. Competence: Proven capacity to deliver and innovate. Conviction: The courage to make tough, unpopular but necessary decisions. Think of Nelson Mandela, Lee Kuan Yew, or Thomas Sankara — leaders who rose above their narrow interest to serve posterity. Nigeria has such men and women — in academia, churches, communities, and business. But they must rise. And we, the people, must create the platforms for them to lead. 8. A Call to Action: The Church Must Lead the Renaissance The Church — the Body of Christ — is not exempt. If we are truly the light of the world and salt of the earth, we must step out of the pews and into the public square. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. We must: Mobilise at the grassroots: From Ward to LGA to State and Federal levels on the national Christian Political Platform; Christian Social Movement of Nigeria | Occupy.ng (Luke 19:13) Educate the people: Political awareness, voter education, and civic responsibility. Mentor new leaders: Through discipleship, leadership training, and character development. Build platforms: Political movements, advocacy groups, and value-based political parties. *The liberation of Nigeria will not come from the top. It will come from the bottom-up revolution of consciousness, anchored by godly leadership and a Christocentric political culture.* Summary Nigeria stands at the edge of a precipice. The failure of politics as usual is undeniable. The days of celebrating politicians who offer nothing but tokenism must end. It is time for statesmen — men and women of purpose, principle, and prophetic vision — to take the reins of leadership. Let history not record that we watched our nation crumble while we prayed passively. Let it be said that in the moment of Nigeria’s greatest peril, a generation arose, equipped not with guns, but with truth, courage, and a burden for the next generation. The hour is late. The need is urgent. The call is clear. Nigeria must be reborn — not by politicians, but by statesmen. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34 “If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 Let us answer the call. Written by: Kingsley Shola Ayinde For inquiries, permissions, or mobilization efforts click: Christian Social Movement of Nigeria | Occupy.ng (Luke 19:13) (CSMN) or call:+2348033642068; email: kingsleyayinde@gmail.com

The NATIONAL PRAYER ALTAR *MARATHON PRAYERS* Monday 7th March - Sunday 13th April 2025 *GOVERNMENT UPON HIS SHOULDERS* _For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace_ (Isaiah 9:6). The Bible passage above is a messianic prophecy about the character and attributes of Jesus Christ. As the Head of the Church, which is His Body, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven while His Body is on the earth. The Son of God reigns over all creation, both visible and invisible, and has committed the government on earth to the Church, His body, for _"the government shall be upon his shoulder…"_ The shoulder is a part of the body; it is not part of the head. It is the divine responsibility of the Church, the Body of Christ, to provide the president, governors, senators, and all the various appointees or electoral officials that exercise governance in the land. This is the calling of the Church. Governance is the responsibility of the Body of Christ, however, the exact opposite is witnessed in Nigeria. Rather than provide governance, the instrument of the State is used to oppress, afflict, and persecute the Church. Could we then say that the word of God is not true? Far from it. The problem is not the word of God, it is the Church, and the problem of the Church is its leadership. Christian leadership is required to mobilize and harmonize all the potentials of the Church to provide temporal and spiritual leadership for Nigeria. Everything the Church needs to provide government in Nigeria has been given to the Church. Christians constitute the largest demographic group in Nigeria. They are the most educated, the most civilized, and the most enlightened. They constitute the largest group of professionals, academics, intellectuals, scientists, technocrats, skilled workers, and marketplace entrepreneurs. Even the wealth of Nigeria, be it oil, gas, ports, waterways, and the bulk of the arable land, is in Christian owned areas of the country. Unfortunately, Christians are currently an endangered species in Nigeria. Those who kill them are not prosecuted. Many prayers have been said, and are still being said, for the protection of Christians as well as for divine intervention for peace to reign in the land. So far, heaven has remained silent. God might be waiting for His people to do the very things they are calling on Him to do. It is a spiritual fact that if solution to a problem is available on the earth, God will not provide it from heaven. For the same reason, if an information is available on the earth, God will not give it from heaven. Revelation is God telling a man what no one can tell him on the earth. God only provides from heaven what man cannot provide on the earth. That is why God gave humans brains, to think and apply the solutions of God on earth. The major problem with Christianity in Nigeria is that many Christians have been put into neutral gear by some church leaders whose only message is "miracles" and "divine breakthroughs." Some churches do not teach members to think; they only teach them to expect miracles. The Church in Nigeria is not operating in dominion because it does not raise disciples. The Church has a generation of leaders whose specialty is raising spiritual babes whom they refer to as their “children”, and who also refer to those brothers as “daddy in the Lord”. This practice amounts to a violation of the Lord’s command in Matthew 23:9 _"And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."_ It takes “sons” to exercise dominion. Nigeria is groaning in expectation of the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19). Unfortunately, most churches keep producing babes in Christ who find it difficult to dominate their environment and establish the Kingdom of God in the land. One major shortcoming of most Christian assemblies is the failure to teach about the Kingdom of God. Christianity is basically about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. Both Jesus and John the Baptist started ministry in Matt. 3:2 and Matt. 4:17 proclaiming, _"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."_ In Matt. 6:33, Christians are commanded: _"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."_ Many church leaders inundate believers with messages of earthly wealth and prosperity. In the process of scrambling with the children of the world for the mundane things of the earth, Christians lose the righteousness of the Kingdom of God. If Christianity in Nigeria would be victorious, the obsession of many churches with mammon must cease, or in the alternative, a new generation of leaders must rise to lead the Church. So long as a generation of greed and vanity-infested leaders are in control of the Church, Christians will continue to suffer defeat and oppression in the country. There must be a return to Christlikeness in the Church. Jesus reigns over the universe, and at His name every knee shall bow. The method Christ used to conquer Satan is the same method that will work for the Church. Christ proclaimed, _"My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work"_ (John 4:34). In John 14:30, Jesus said, says, _"for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me,"_ confirming His holiness and separation from the world. How many Christians can make the same affirmation? On the physical level, there must be conscious plans to take the kingdom of Nigeria and hand it over to Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God will not be established in Nigeria merely because people prayed, but because, as Christians, they also worked, for _"Faith without works is dead."_ (Jam. 2:26). As pointed out in a previous prayer call, no one wins an election because a prophecy was proclaimed over him or because anointing oil was poured upon his head. You win elections because you have political structures. Naturally speaking, the politician who does not pray but builds political structures will win an election over a Christian who prays but has no structures. Christians should not be deceived that a miracle would take place and a Christian without a political structure would win an election. Angels neither vote nor count votes. Therefore, the candidate must be in control of those human beings who vote and those that count the votes, while he still prays. God intervenes in human affairs when they have tried their best, but it is not enough. Rather than build Christian political structures, Christians in politics unfortunately hire the political structures of the Muslims. It is Muslims who control the existing political structures in Nigeria. This is the reason Christian politicians become helpless after getting into political office and they are unable to stand or speak for Christian interests. Many Christians blame Christian politicians for the failure to defend Christian interests, but they seldom ask which structure put them into the office. If the government would be on the shoulders of Jesus Christ in Nigeria, the following points should be noted. 1. Christians must realize they have a divine mandate to provide a righteous government for Nigeria. until they do so, the land would continue to mourn and suffer. God will not do what man is supposed to do. 2. leadership is crucial. Christians must agree to follow a leadership structure that will be the point of convergence. The various Christian groups must unite under one political leadership in the Church. In a previous prayer call, it was stated that the body established by the five Church groups in 2001 for this purpose is the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN). 3. Christians must be prepared to fund their political structure. This can easily be done if each Christian agrees to contribute a token amount every month. The political process in Nigeria was intentionally designed to be very expensive, so that only the rich can participate. 4. training of interested candidates must commence. It is still not too late to prepare candidates for the 2027 elections. It is indispensable for Christian candidates to have basic understanding of the principles of the Kingdom of God, before they enter a political office. The National Prayer Altar is making that arrangement 5. Christians should obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), and Party Registration Card (PRC). While the PVC will enable them to vote on election day, the PRC will enable them to influence decisions of political parties. It is those with PRC that will decide which candidate would run and who should be a delegate at the party primaries. _Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves._ (Matt. 10: 16). God bless Nigeria. *PRAYER POINTS* 1. Isaiah 9:6 Thank God for the divine mandate upon the Church to provide government for Nigeria. Pray that this revelation shall become real to every Nigeria Christian. 2. Ps. 133 Pray for a fresh anointing of unity upon the Church, so that the Christians would work as one to fulfil the mandate of providing leadership for Nigeria. 3. Rom. 16:17-18 Pray that Christians shall be diligent and determined to resist those who will seek to divide the Church from fulfilling the divine mandate of providing righteous government for Nigeria. 4. Matt. 6:10 Pray that the government of the Kingdom of God shall be established upon Nigeria. 5. Titus 1:10-13 Pray that God will silence all ministers of the gospel who preach prosperity at the expense of Christlike discipleship. 6. Lam. 3:37 Cancel every utterance or confession to the effect that ungodly and wicked politicians shall continue to rule Nigeria in 2027. 7. Rev. 12:10-11 Plead the blood of Jesus to counter and nullify every sorcery, satanic ritual, and enchantment to retain the throne of Nigeria in the hands of Satan. *JOIN US AT THE DAILY PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA* Which started since 18th April 2022 TIME: 9.00 – 10.00pm daily WAT (Nigeria time) VENUE: ZOOM https://zoom.us/j/96806190505?pwd=K2RqcUN3YjRwQzEzRDZaMUt2N1ZsUT09 Meeting ID: 968 0619 0505 Passcode: 024184 *LINK TO MARATHON PRAYERS ZOOM ROOM* https://zoom.us/j/94064259957?pwd=bm13eDlSNTMrZWhVdTl5bmNRRlBHQT09 Meeting ID: 940 6425 9957 Passcode: Altar repent@csmnigeria.org *PLEASE SHARE*