By Francesca Hangeior

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and Abuja has vowed to focus on its mandate rather than engaging in unnecessary exchanges with critics.

It could be recalled that a crisis engulfed the association over tenure elongation.

At the center of the crisis is the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, whose term as chairman allegedly expired over two years ago.

The crisis took a turn for the worse when Rev. John Hayab’s group conducted an election, appointing him as the new chairman while Rev. Pam’s faction has denounced the move, describing it as a “religious coup” and “fraudulent.”

However, on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, expressed full support for the newly elected executives led by Rev. Hayab, calling on the outgoing leadership of Rev. Pam, to promptly hand over all association property.

Speaking at a dinner organised for the newly elected executives in Kaduna on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Hayab, said the association’s work would speak for itself.

Hayab decried the deep-seated religious and ethnic divisions in Northern Nigeria, describing them as obstacles to growth and peaceful coexistence.

He, therefore, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to truth, inclusivity, and addressing challenges hindering the region’s progress.

According to Hayab, the new leadership of CAN in the North will be a strong advocate for Northern Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. He urged the Christian community to prioritize unity and collaboration for sustainable development.

He said, “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so with love and understanding.

“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase—one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a change in mindset.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, expressed confidence in Hayab’s leadership and described him as a capable leader who will advance the Christian cause in the North.

Azizi also criticised the previous CAN leadership under Rev. Pam and Secretary Elder Sunday Oibe for exceeding their tenure by two years and nine months.

“We urge them to act with maturity and avoid dragging the Christian body into unnecessary disputes,” she said.

On his part, the Northern CAN Youth Leader, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed youth support for Hayab and called on Pam and Oibe to accept the transition in good faith.

“The youths stand firmly with the new leadership and will give him their total support. This is the kind of leader we have long desired,” he said.

Musal also demanded that all Northern CAN properties across the 19 states and the FCT be handed over to the new leadership forthwith.

Top Christian leaders from across the region attended the dinner, including the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State).

Others were the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who is also the Chairman of CAN North Central Zone, former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; the President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and President of the Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye, among others.