The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, formerly Northern CAN, Joseph Hayab, has cautioned politicians against manipulation, greed and selfish leadership, urging public office holders to fear God and serve as positive examples to younger Nigerians.
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 prominent Nigerians, including 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 in the country, noting that Nigerians must embrace unity irrespective of ethnic, political or religious differences.
“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 said.
Hayab explained that the church deliberately opened the celebration to people of other faiths as part of efforts to strengthen peace and mutual understanding in the country.
“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,” he stated.
The NCA chairman noted that the construction of churches and mosques would amount to little if Nigerians failed to live peacefully with one another.
“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,” he added.
Hayab also charged political leaders to demonstrate integrity and accountability, warning that younger Nigerians were increasingly being influenced negatively by acts of greed and manipulation in society.
“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,” he said.
He lamented that many young people now viewed manipulation as a pathway to success because of the conduct of some leaders.
“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 warned.
The cleric further reminded leaders that they would one day give an account of their actions before God.
“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,” he stated.
Hayab has consistently advocated peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, where religious and ethnic tensions have at times triggered violence and social unrest.
As chairman of the Northern Christian Association, formerly Northern CAN, he has repeatedly called on political, religious and community leaders to prioritise justice, tolerance and inclusive governance as pathways to sustainable peace and national development.
