By Atiku Galadima, Maiduguri
Christian leaders in the North East have reaffirmed their support for Reverend Dr. Joseph Hayab as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement in Maiduguri, the North East CAN Chairman and General Secretary of the 19 Northern States and FCT CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga, said the region remains aligned with Rev. Hayab’s constitutional election in February 2025.
Naga dismissed the claims of Mr. Sunday Oibe, who has been presenting himself as Secretary, and Rev. Yakubu Pam, who has been parading himself as Chairman. He stated that Oibe was never elected Secretary but only completed the tenure of the late Barrister Danladi. He added that the last recognised Northern CAN election before 2025 was held in 2016, rendering the tenure of those now challenging the leadership expired.
“All the Chairmen of Northern CAN met in Abuja and constitutionally conducted an election which produced Reverend Dr. Joseph Hayab as Chairman. In the North East, we do not recognise Oibe,” he said.
Naga also rejected suggestions that a recent Federal High Court ruling invalidated Hayab’s mandate, describing such interpretations as lacking constitutional basis.
He said the recognised Northern CAN Chairmen have held several meetings and remain united in their support for Rev. Hayab.
“I speak on their behalf: we are united, strong and committed to defending the integrity of the association,” he stated.
Naga urged Christians across the 19 Northern states and the FCT to remain calm and disregard what he described as media distortions surrounding the leadership matter. To