In a significant development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s inclusive approach to governance has effectively addressed their concerns over the Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Reverend Yakubu Pam, the Chairman of Northern CAN, made these comments during an interview after the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of Northern CAN, held in Kaduna. According to Pam, despite the controversy surrounding the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, Tinubu’s governance has been more inclusive than many had feared.
Pam pointed out that while Northern CAN would prefer to see a Christian in the second-highest position of the country, the government’s actions have demonstrated a commitment to unity and inclusiveness, transcending religious divides.
“For me, the most important thing is a government that is inclusive. Even with the Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have seen reasonable inclusiveness,” Pam explained. He emphasized that Northern CAN would welcome a Christian in the position of Vice President, or other prominent roles, as a way to reflect the country’s diversity.
Despite his support for inclusivity, Pam acknowledged that the country’s number one priority must remain the fight against insecurity. He said that while the administration has shown improvements in security, especially compared to the past years of bombings and large-scale violence, there are still pockets of insecurity that need urgent attention.
“The major challenge now is hunger. People are really suffering. Prices of commodities are skyrocketing, and that is what we are crying for now,” Pam said. He also mentioned that President Tinubu had promised to address these issues over time, but the situation still requires close monitoring and action.
The need for inclusivity in leadership was one of the key points discussed at the meeting. Northern CAN leaders noted that while the presidency has made efforts to address Christian concerns, there are still issues like land acquisition for churches and political marginalization that need to be tackled. These challenges, Pam stated, are critical for the continued peace and prosperity of Northern Nigeria.
“Christians in some states still face challenges in acquiring land for church buildings. There is also marginalization in political appointments and a lack of access to opportunities,” he said. These issues are compounded by rising living costs and limited economic opportunities, which have left many people struggling to survive. Pam further stated that while the government’s efforts are appreciated, more needs to be done to restore peace and stability to the region.
Reverend Pam also took the opportunity to call on Nigerians to continue praying for President Tinubu and the country’s progress. He stressed that despite the challenges, the importance of unity and religious harmony in the country cannot be overlooked.
“While we celebrate unity and religious harmony, we cannot overlook the significant challenges facing Christians and the general population in Northern Nigeria,” Pam added. He urged the federal government to continue prioritizing efforts to tackle insecurity, restore peace, and create economic opportunities for all citizens.
In a show of solidarity, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who was represented at the meeting by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka, also expressed support for the Tinubu administration. Akume emphasized that the president is fully committed to promoting good governance and addressing the concerns of Nigerians, including those in Northern Nigeria.
Tarka highlighted some of the president’s actions, particularly during the last Christmas season, when Tinubu’s administration provided palliative support to Christians in the North, reduced fuel prices, and ensured enhanced security during the festive period. These actions, Tarka explained, were indicative of the president’s dedication to the well-being of all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or regional affiliations.
“The President’s actions, particularly during the last Christmas season, providing palliatives to Christians across the North, reducing fuel prices, and prioritizing security during the festivities—demonstrate his commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians,” Tarka said. He also reassured the Christian community that the government was working tirelessly to restore peace, stability, and economic growth, especially in areas affected by insecurity and economic hardship.
Furthermore, Tarka acknowledged the concerns raised by Northern CAN regarding the difficulties Christians face in acquiring land for church buildings and the perceived exclusion of Northern Christians from key political appointments. He promised that these concerns would be brought directly to President Tinubu’s attention to ensure they are addressed appropriately.
The discussion at the Northern CAN meeting also focused on the broader socio-economic challenges facing the country. Aside from insecurity, rising food prices and economic hardship have become major issues for many Nigerians. Insecurity continues to affect various regions, particularly in the North, where banditry, kidnappings, and communal violence have become common. Many Nigerians, particularly those in the rural areas, are suffering from a lack of basic services, while the economy remains under strain due to the high cost of living.
Despite the government’s efforts, including military interventions and regional security initiatives, insecurity continues to undermine efforts to restore peace in many parts of the country. However, Pam acknowledged that the current administration’s approach has led to improvements in security, especially compared to previous years marked by widespread bombings and violence.
As the government continues to tackle these issues, the Christian community in Northern Nigeria has remained hopeful that further steps will be taken to address their concerns, particularly around inclusivity, religious harmony, and economic justice.
The Northern CAN, while supportive of President Tinubu’s efforts, also remains vigilant, advocating for the continued protection of Christian interests in the country. Their calls for greater inclusivity in political appointments and economic opportunities highlight the importance of balanced leadership in ensuring peace and prosperity for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, while the Muslim-Muslim ticket was initially a source of concern for many in the Northern Christian community, Reverend Pam’s statements reflect a growing recognition that inclusive governance, as demonstrated by President Tinubu, can serve as a foundation for a more united and prosperous Nigeria. However, this unity can only be achieved if the government continues to address the challenges of insecurity, economic hardship, and religious marginalization.
