The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the country’s leaders to utilize the Christmas season as an opportunity for national renewal, justice, and lasting security. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association’s Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, warned that Nigeria cannot continue to suffer under the weight of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The association called on the Federal Government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the sponsors and financiers of terror, emphasizing that lasting peace will remain elusive unless those behind violent crimes are exposed and punished. According to Northern CAN, Christmas offers Nigerians a chance for sober reflection on the nation’s moral conscience and social direction, reminding citizens that a just and secure society is built on moral courage, compassion, and collective responsibility.
While acknowledging the hardship faced by many Nigerians, the association commended individuals, faith-based organizations, and community leaders who distributed palliatives and supported vulnerable citizens during the festive season. Northern CAN also praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in defending lives and property, urging them to remain resolute until insecurity is decisively addressed.
The association welcomed the Federal Government’s recent designation of kidnappers, bandits, and violent criminal groups as terrorists, describing the move as a strengthening of the national security framework. Additionally, Northern CAN applauded Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for granting clemency to Sunday Jackson, a Christian farmer who had been sentenced to death following a violent attack on his farm. The association described the earlier conviction as a miscarriage of justice, noting that the governor’s intervention had restored public confidence in fairness and the rule of law.
As the nation celebrates Christmas, Northern CAN called on leaders at all levels to uphold justice, equity, and the rule of law, while urging citizens to remain law-abiding, committed to peaceful coexistence, and national unity. The association emphasized the need for collective efforts towards a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria, and encouraged citizens to support their leaders and pray for the healing of the land. With the country facing numerous security challenges, the association’s call for national renewal and justice serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts towards a more peaceful and secure Nigeria.