The Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern State and Abuja, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards inclusive governance, saying it has somewhat overshadowed the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket issue.
The Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam stated this while speaking to newsmen shortly after the National Executive Committee(NEC) meeting of the Association which had in attendance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in Kaduna on Saturday.
Pam emphasized that while the government has shown inclusiveness, it would be beneficial to have Christians in key positions, such as the Vice Presidency.
He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Northern Christians in key political appointments and decision-making roles.
“For me, the most important thing is a government that is inclusive and as far as they have done Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have also seen reasonably inclusiveness.
“Left for us, we will say yes, let’s have Christians in certain positions like Vice President and other positions to reflect our diversity. The Presidency will be good to bring a Christian as number two. We will appreciate it,” he said.
Earlier in his address to the gathering, Pam also raised concerns about the rising cost of living and limited economic opportunities, which have left Nigerians struggling to survive.
This was just as he appealed to the government to declare a state of emergency on the issue of insecurity and to take urgent steps to address the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
“We know that the desire of people is to see that insecurity is addressed so that they can go about their normal daily activities without fear,” Rev. Pam said.
“We want the government to declare a complete state of emergency on the issue of insecurity and to take urgent steps to address the economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
“The performance of the current administration is going on a little bit better but we want them to do more.There are pockets of things here and there that should be addressed. The situation is not as bad as the previous years where there were bombings.
“I think the major challenge now is hunger. People are really, really suffering. Prices of commodities are crazy. That is what we are crying for now. But the President has said that with time. I believe, let’s see how it goes.”
The Northern CAN boss also lamented that Christians in some northern states were being faced with the challenges of acquiring land for church building as well as being marginalized in political appointments.
Pam said, “Christians in some states still face challenges in acquiring land for church buildings, as well as marginalization in political appointments and access to opportunities.
“The rising cost of living and limited economic opportunities have left many struggling to survive, particularly in the face of insecurity and displacement.
“We appreciate the efforts made by Mr. President and his administration to address these issues, but we appeal for greater intervention to restore peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
“We also wish to express our concerns regarding political appointments. For example, in the North-West Development Commission, no Christian from the region was considered for appointment; instead, a Christian from the South-East was included.”
In his response, the SGF who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka, assured the Northern CAN that President Tinubu was committed to promoting good governance, equity, and inclusivity across all regions of Nigeria.
Akume acknowledged the concerns regarding difficulties in acquiring land for church buildings and the perceived exclusion of Northern Christians in key political appointments.
He also acknowledged the concerns regarding the lack of representation of Northern Christians in the North-West Development Commission.
He assured the Northern CAN that he would personally bring the issue to the attention of President Tinubu to ensure that it is addressed appropriately.
Akume commended the Northern CAN for its continued prayers, advocacy, and efforts to maintain peace and unity in Northern Nigeria.
He assured the association that the government is fully behind it and would continue to support its initiatives and collaborate with it to ensure a brighter future for all Nigerians.
He said, “rest assured that this administration is determined to address the pressing challenges facing the Northern region, including insecurity, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and economic hardship. The government is working tirelessly to restore peace, stability, and economic growth in affected areas.
“The concerns regarding difficulties in acquiring land for church buildings and the perceived exclusion of Northern Christians in key political appointments are well understood. I will personally bring these issues to the attention of Mr. President to ensure that they are addressed appropriately.
“Let me commend the Northern CAN for your continued prayers, advocacy, and efforts to maintain peace and unity in Northern Nigeria. Your role in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering understanding in this region is invaluable. I urge you to continue these efforts, knowing that the government is fully behind you.”
