Northern Christian leader warns politicians against manipulation

Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, formerly Northern CAN, Joseph Hayab, has cautioned politicians against greed, manipulation and selfish leadership, urging public office holders to fear God and lead by example.

Hayab, who is also the Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace Baptist Church, spoke on Sunday shortly after the dedication of the church auditorium in Gonin Gora, Kaduna State.

The event attracted politicians, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

Speaking with journalists after the service, the cleric stressed the need for peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, saying Nigerians must embrace unity regardless of ethnic, political or religious differences.

Hayab said: “The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, which implies that God expects us to fear Him.

“If we fear Him, then that means we are wise.”

He explained that the church deliberately invited people of other faiths to the celebration as part of efforts to promote peace and mutual understanding.

He said: “Our Muslim friends came to celebrate with us and stayed throughout the service.

“This is a strong message that we need this kind of understanding in Nigeria. We need this kind of peace in Nigeria.”

The cleric added that building churches and mosques would mean little if Nigerians failed to live together peacefully.

He said: “Even if you build churches and mosques and people are not living together in peace, there will be no good service.

“So let us work together, live together and give our children and future generations a befitting legacy of love, peace and sacrifice for God.”

Hayab also urged political leaders to demonstrate integrity and accountability, warning that many young Nigerians were becoming influenced by negative examples in society.

He said: “Political actors must fear God, be honest with themselves and speak the truth. Let them show good examples because they have become role models.

“If they do bad, those coming behind them will do bad.”

The NCA chairman lamented that many youths now see manipulation as a shortcut to success because of the conduct of some leaders.

He said: “Our young ones are not seeing enough good examples among us. They have seen us to be selfish, greedy and manipulative.

“They are thinking that when you manipulate things and get away with it, then you are a superstar.

“Manipulation is not success. Manipulation can lead to disruption. Any process you manipulate, thinking you are smart, will end up being a shame.”

Hayab further reminded leaders that everyone would one day account for their actions before God.

He said: “There is a day of judgment.

“The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich and Lazarus did not go to heaven because he was poor, but because of their attitude.”

Hayab has consistently advocated peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue in Northern Nigeria, especially in Kaduna State, where religious and ethnic tensions have at times led to violence and unrest.

As chairman of the Northern Christian Association, he has repeatedly called on political, religious and community leaders to prioritise justice, tolerance and inclusive governance as pathways to lasting peace and national development.