Worship
No rift with CAN, says Northern Christian group
Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Forum (also known as the Northern Christian Association, NCA), has dismissed claims that the group was formed due to disagreements between Northern Christian leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
It will be recalled that a news report went viral, where it was alleged that the northern Christian group, Northern Christian Association (NCA), had excused itself from the national body, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Stating the true position, Hayab explained that the decision to adopt the name Northern Christian Association was made following advice from the national leadership of CAN to avoid confusion with the existing structure of the association.
“It was the Christian Association of Nigeria that suggested we should not continue to use the name ‘Northern CAN’ so that the public would not be confused when issues are discussed in the media,” he said.
He stressed that churches in Northern Nigeria remain fully aligned with CAN, noting that there is no conflict between the regional forum and the national body.
“All churches in the North are with the CAN and are also with us because we are one body. We are not fighting, and we remain active members of CAN. Therefore, there is no need for anyone to broker peace where there is no disagreement,” Hayab stated.
Providing historical context, he noted that the Northern Christian Forum predates CAN, having existed since 1964. According to him, the recent development simply marks a return to its original identity.
Hayab disclosed that the matter was discussed during a meeting with CAN leadership on October 23 last year, where stakeholders agreed that adopting a distinct name would help avoid media confusion.
He also expressed deep respect for the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, describing him as a leader whom Northern Christians hold in high regard.
“Archbishop Okoh is the last person anyone would want to hurt. The stories about friction are completely out of context. Some people are simply trying to create a rift where there is none,” he said.
Hayab further clarified that the Northern Christian Forum is not opposed to the government, contrary to claims in some quarters. Instead, he said the group remains committed to speaking truthfully to authorities in the interest of national development.
“We are known for telling the government the truth for the sake of the country. Every responsible government should welcome people who can speak honestly rather than those who pretend everything is fine while the nation suffers,” he added.
He noted that while CAN remains capable of addressing national issues, the realities in Northern Nigeria sometimes require focused regional engagement.
According to him, the forum seeks to strengthen advocacy on issues affecting Christians in the region, including religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers, and limited admission opportunities for Christian students in some areas.
The organisation comprises Christian leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We remain part of CAN. The national body addresses issues affecting Christians across the country, while we focus on matters affecting Northern Christians,” he said.
He added that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name out of respect for the parent body, noting that the forum has now been formally registered and incorporated as the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT.
“Our focus is to ensure that Christians in Northern Nigeria enjoy equal rights and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Hayab said.
It will be recalled that a news report went viral, where it was alleged that the northern Christian group, Northern Christian Association (NCA), had excused itself from the national body, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Stating the true position, Hayab explained that the decision to adopt the name Northern Christian Association was made following advice from the national leadership of CAN to avoid confusion with the existing structure of the association.
“It was the Christian Association of Nigeria that suggested we should not continue to use the name ‘Northern CAN’ so that the public would not be confused when issues are discussed in the media,” he said.
He stressed that churches in Northern Nigeria remain fully aligned with CAN, noting that there is no conflict between the regional forum and the national body.
“All churches in the North are with the CAN and are also with us because we are one body. We are not fighting, and we remain active members of CAN. Therefore, there is no need for anyone to broker peace where there is no disagreement,” Hayab stated.
Providing historical context, he noted that the Northern Christian Forum predates CAN, having existed since 1964. According to him, the recent development simply marks a return to its original identity.
Hayab disclosed that the matter was discussed during a meeting with CAN leadership on October 23 last year, where stakeholders agreed that adopting a distinct name would help avoid media confusion.
He also expressed deep respect for the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, describing him as a leader whom Northern Christians hold in high regard.
“Archbishop Okoh is the last person anyone would want to hurt. The stories about friction are completely out of context. Some people are simply trying to create a rift where there is none,” he said.
Hayab further clarified that the Northern Christian Forum is not opposed to the government, contrary to claims in some quarters. Instead, he said the group remains committed to speaking truthfully to authorities in the interest of national development.
“We are known for telling the government the truth for the sake of the country. Every responsible government should welcome people who can speak honestly rather than those who pretend everything is fine while the nation suffers,” he added.
He noted that while CAN remains capable of addressing national issues, the realities in Northern Nigeria sometimes require focused regional engagement.
According to him, the forum seeks to strengthen advocacy on issues affecting Christians in the region, including religious freedom, access to education, shortage of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) teachers, and limited admission opportunities for Christian students in some areas.
The organisation comprises Christian leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We remain part of CAN. The national body addresses issues affecting Christians across the country, while we focus on matters affecting Northern Christians,” he said.
He added that the word “Nigeria” was deliberately excluded from the revived name out of respect for the parent body, noting that the forum has now been formally registered and incorporated as the Forum of Northern Christians and the FCT.
“Our focus is to ensure that Christians in Northern Nigeria enjoy equal rights and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Hayab said.
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