The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.

In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.

Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.

Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”

He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”

“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”

“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.

Seeks Probe of Alleged Looting By Security Operatives

A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its efforts to stamp out fake drugs in Nigeria but however, warned that it must be executed with fairness and precision.

While demanding investigation of the alleged looting and other criminal activities carried out by security operatives stationed at Ogbogwu Market in Onitsha, he called for the immediate reopening of Onitsha Drug Market, while ensuring that only the guilty face the full weight of the law.

Ejiofor, lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in a statement warned merchants of fake drugs to desist as their actions have sent thousands of innocent souls to their early graves and is one of the most grievous crimes imaginable, deserving the harshest punishments under the law.

He said, “I stand in full support of the ongoing efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eliminate counterfeit drugs from Nigerian markets. The production and distribution of fake drugs by unscrupulous individuals, who profit at the expense of innocent lives, is an evil that must be eradicated. Every well-meaning Nigerian should applaud this bold initiative.

“However, while the fight against fake drugs is crucial, it must be executed with fairness and precision. In my previous writings, I have consistently emphasized the need for proper profiling of offenders, their enablers, and conspirators – a critical area where our security agencies often fall short. Wrongly punishing innocent citizens for crimes they know nothing about has severe consequences, both legally and morally.

“The Principle of Justice – Protecting the Innocent: The importance of ensuring that only the guilty are punished is well-established in legal philosophy. As far back as 1769, the English jurist William Blackstone articulated a fundamental legal principle: “It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”

“This doctrine was later echoed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1895, which reaffirmed that it is more just for a crime to go unpunished than for an innocent person to be wrongfully condemned. These perspectives underscore the necessity of meticulous investigations before imposing punitive measures.

“Allegations Against Security Operatives at Onitsha Drug Market: Disturbing reports have emerged regarding alleged looting and other criminal activities carried out by security operatives stationed at Ogbogwu Market.

“The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) recently raised alarm over these troubling developments, calling on NAFDAC to account for hundreds of millions of naira worth of goods allegedly stolen during security raids. A petition addressing these concerns was sent to the NAFDAC Director General, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, and Other relevant authorities.

“To date, there has been no public response from the recipients, further fueling concerns about transparency and accountability.

“The Need for a Balanced Approach: InterSociety has also warned of serious socio-security consequences arising from the continued closure of the Onitsha Drug Market and six adjoining markets. Anambra State is already grappling with security challenges, and keeping traders out of business for an extended period could exacerbate economic hardship and instability.

“A comparable operation in Lagos Drug Market was reportedly completed swiftly, with the market reopened to genuine traders. Importantly, there were no reported cases of shop break-ins because NAFDAC took a structured approach to profiling and dealing with criminals. This demonstrates that law enforcement can be both firm and fair – rooting out offenders without punishing the innocent.

“A Call for Immediate Action:
I urge NAFDAC to refine its investigative methods by utilizing the existing surveillance cameras in the Onitsha Drug Market to identify and apprehend the actual perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Innocent traders should not be made to suffer due to the actions of a criminal minority.

“Additionally, the allegations of looting and unlawful shop break-ins by security operatives must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. Justice cannot be served through illegality.

“A Final Plea to Criminal Elements: To those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs, I make this urgent plea: Desist now!!!

“Your actions send thousands of innocent souls to their early graves. This is one of the most grievous crimes imaginable, deserving the harshest punishments under the law. NAFDAC’s mission to rid Nigeria of fake drugs is one we must all support. However, this fight must be carried out with fairness, justice, and due process. I, therefore, lend my voice to the call for the immediate reopening of Onitsha Drug Market, while ensuring that only the guilty face the full weight of the law.”

ENDS***

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

The recently elected Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. (Dr) John Joseph Hayab said he has outlined a vision focused on unity, development, and advocacy for justice within Northern Nigeria.

Rev. Hayab who was reacting to accusation from the Rev Yakubu Pam led group, emphasised that he is committed to integrity, transparency, and service to the Christian community and the nation at large.

He said, “We will not allow greed to take over our conscience'” while acknowledging issues such as divisions, violence, and hardships that have tested the Christian faith and unity, just as he expressed optimism, saying, “We are defined by our resilience, our capacity for love, and our unwavering hope for a brighter future.”

Rev. Hayab also highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that CAN would work closely with national, regional, and state chapters, as well as civil society organizations, government agencies, and other faith groups.

He emphasized, “We will partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities and protections they deserve.”

Furthermore, he addressed internal challenges within CAN, particularly regarding leadership transitions. He urged respect for leadership changes, stating, “We will serve our term and leave.”

“My vision for Northern CAN centers on fostering unity, promoting development, and advocating for justice, aiming to serve with integrity and address the diverse needs of the Christian community in the region” he stressed.
Meanwhile, addressing newsmen after their meeting in Kaduna in a text read by Elder Sunday Oibe as Secretary of Pam’s led northern CAN, said, “We invited you to debunk the lies that were peddled by some desperate, self seeking characters a few days ago.

“We want to make it clear that Hayab is not a member of Northern CAN,” Oibe alleged.