By Gloria Ikibah
The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has raised alarm over what it describes as yet another case of “persecution and systemic discrimination” against Northern Christians within Nigeria’s civil service.
In an open letter addressed to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, and the National Assembly, ACIPA condemned the alleged sidelining of a qualified Christian candidate in favour of a less-qualified counterpart during the recent selection process for Federal Permanent Secretaries. 
This was contained in a statement signed by Chairman of ACIPA, Rev. (Dr) Luke Shehu, on Thursday, 6th November 2025, calling for “urgent correction of the abnormality and travesty.”
According to ACIPA, a Northern Christian candidate who scored 83% in the recent interview for the position of Permanent Secretary was bypassed, while Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, who scored 54%, was announced as the successful candidate by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on 4th November 2025.
ACIPA described the development as “an outright persecution against a Christian from the North-East who came first”, insisting that the selection process has once again exposed the entrenched marginalisation of Northern Christians at both state and federal levels.
“For the avoidance of doubt, despite government’s denial of persecution and systematic genocide against Christians, especially in Northern Nigeria, it is evident that Northern Christians, and Hausa Christians in particular, have been and are still denied rights of employment, scholarships, and appointments.
“In the usual perpetuation of denial of rights and persecution of Northern Christians and indigenous people experienced in states like Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Kebbi and at the Federal level, one Mohammed Musa Isiyaku who scored 54%, emerging fifth position, was announced as Permanent Secretary,” the statement read.
Rev. Shehu further noted that ACIPA was “aware of the ongoing process to swear in the Permanent Secretary,” describing it as “a travesty that must be corrected immediately.”
“Once again, true to our calling as advocates of peace, unity, social justice and development, we are not only renouncing and rejecting this persecution, but we are calling on all concerned to correct this abnormality and travesty with immediate effect”, he added.
ACIPA’s open letter was copied to all religious leaders, monarchs, legislators, ministers, commissioners, media organisations, security agencies, NGOs, and indigenous groups.
