By Amina Samuel, Kaduna

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representing the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to concentrate on its mandate rather than engage in unnecessary disputes with critics, asserting that its actions will speak for themselves.

During a dinner event held in Kaduna on Monday, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, the leader of Northern CAN, articulated this commitment in front of CAN chairmen, secretaries, and various religious leaders. He reaffirmed the association’s dedication to truth, inclusivity, and tackling the challenges that impede the region’s progress.

Rev. Dr. Hayab emphasised that the new leadership of CAN in the North will vigorously advocate for Northern Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights safeguarded. He called upon the Christian community to prioritise unity and collaboration for sustainable development.

“We will continue to be a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and advocates for justice. However, we will approach this with love and understanding,” he stated.

He expressed concern over the entrenched religious and ethnic divisions in Northern Nigeria, labelling them as significant barriers to growth and peaceful coexistence.

“It is disheartening when people view us as fragmented and intolerant. We must usher in a new era—one characterised by love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, yet these divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” he added.

In discussions with journalists following the event, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, voiced her confidence in Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable figure poised to advance the Christian cause in the North.

She also took issue with the previous CAN leadership under Rev. Yakubu Pam and Secretary Elder Sunday Oibe for overstaying their tenure by two years and nine months, urging them to act with maturity and refrain from dragging the Christian community into unnecessary disputes.

Similarly, Northern CAN Youth Leader Evangelist Musa Misal reiterated the youth’s support for Hayab, calling on Pam and Oibe to accept the transition graciously. He demanded an immediate handover of all Northern CAN properties across the 19 states and the FCT to the new leadership.

“The youth stand resolutely behind the new leadership and will provide unwavering support. This is the kind of leader we have long sought,” he declared.

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

Also in attendance were Rev. Emeka Obianyor, Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy; Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State), Director of Youth, Women, and Education; and Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, Northern CAN Vice Chairman and Chairman of CAN North Central Zone.

Other notable figures included former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; and Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye, President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and President of the Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, among others.

By Amos Tauna, Kaduna

The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna chapter, has expressed its commendation for the recent appointments of Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto and Prof. Qurix Williams by President Bola Tinubu as Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

In a statement released by the forum’s Public Relations Officer, Eld. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, it was emphasised that their appointments are well-deserved and serve as a testament to the exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions of these distinguished individuals to education and national development in Nigeria.

The statement highlighted that Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is a globally respected intellectual, peace advocate, and voice of reason. His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of education has garnered him admiration across Nigeria and beyond.

As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Bishop Kukah’s visionary leadership is anticipated to guide the university towards becoming a centre of academic excellence and innovation, the statement noted.

Regarding Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas, the statement described him as an accomplished academic and administrator who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Vice-Chancellor. It stressed that his distinguished career in academia and research, along with his passion for institution-building, positions him as the ideal leader to steer the university towards fulfilling its mandate of fostering applied sciences and technological advancement.

The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna Chapter, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these strategic appointments, which reflect his administration’s commitment to recognising and harnessing the immense human resources within the Middle Belt region.

The Forum extends its profound gratitude to the President for his foresight and urges him to continue identifying and appointing more capable leaders from the Middle Belt to key positions in his administration. It remarked that the Middle Belt region is rich in highly skilled, visionary, and dedicated individuals eager to contribute to the nation’s growth and development, asserting that Bishop Kukah and Prof. Qurix exemplify the talent and potential that abound in the region.

“Their appointments are not only a source of pride for the Middle Belt but also a call to action for other leaders to recognise and utilise the region’s vast human resources,” the statement affirmed.

The forum believes that as the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025, the leadership of Bishop Kukah and Prof. Qurix will position the institution as a hub of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation. Their appointments align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the forum trusts that they will lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth and impact.

Consequently, the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna Chapter, pledges its full support to Bishop Kukah, Prof. Qurix, and the entire university community as they work to transform the educational landscape of Southern Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has threatened to sack the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Dauda.

Wike gave the threat in Abuja on Monday, during a meeting with community leaders of Gishiri village, Katampe District, Abuja, whose part of houses were demolished to make way for a road project.

He explained that the threat was over Dauda’s poor handling of the relocation and payment of compensation to the affected persons.

Trouble for Dauda began when the Youth Leader of the community, Adamu Umar, told the minister that the FCDA officials allocated a swampy area to them, different from the one he approved.

Another resident, Miss Juliet Jonah, also complained that some of the affected houses were valued as low as N72,000, asking, “can N72,000 build a house in this current economy?”

The minister who could not hide his disappointment, asked Dauda why he allocated a different location from the one he approved?

Although Dauda refuted the claim, stressing that the area was not swampy, the visible furious minister warned him against giving government a bad name.

“Let me warn you now. I will sack you. You want to go and take the land? You can’t try that.

“You cannot take me to a place to relocate the affected persons, I told them about it, and now you are saying it is not enough. Have you come to tell me?

“This rubbish must stop. Don’t give the government a bad name. Moreover, you are an indigene of Abuja,” he said.

Wike promised to revisit the location to see for himself and assured the affected persons that the matter would be resolved.

He also explained that the amount each person would receive as compensation would be based on how the house was valued.

He said that the FCT Administration had no intention of making anybody suffer, stressing that the government was working for the interest of the people.

“The essence of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is to renew the hope of Nigerians and not to make anyone suffer.

“The road is not for Wike but part of efforts to open Abuja and make it one of the best cities in the world,” he said.

He explained that the funds for the payment of the compensation had been increased from N655 million to N1.3 billion, considering the current economic realities.

He said that the initial amount was based on the official government rates for compensation depending on the value attached to any demolished property.

The minister also warned Dauda against selective compensation of the affected persons on grounds of indigenisation.

According to him, the government does not pay compensation based on where people come from; compensation is paid based on who has property at the affected site.

“I am hearing that you said you will not pay certain people because they are non-indigenes. The day I will hear it again you will tell how you became an indigene.

“What do you mean by non-indigene? What kind of mentality is this? I don’t know where this is coming from.

“I built a house; or I built a store, and a road is passing there, and you are telling me that I am not entitled to compensation because I am a non-indigene. How does this sound?”

Wike, who said “I won’t take that rubbish”, ordered Dauda, who was supervising the payment of the compensation and relocation of the affected persons to everybody that was affected.

“Go and pay people their money as approved. If you are doing anything on the contrary and I find out, you will regret it,” he said.

Verifying the payment record, the minister noted that the N72,000 had been increased to N145,000 following the increase of the compensation fund.

He added that another person that was supposed to get N7 million would now receive N14 million, while a school that was initially supposed to receive N49 million would now receive N99 million. (NAN)