The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the country’s leaders to use 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 bear the weight of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
CAN 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. The association said 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, CAN commended individuals, faith‑based organisations and community leaders who distributed palliatives and supported vulnerable citizens during the festive season. It 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. In addition, CAN applauded Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for granting clemency to Sunday Jackson, a Christian farmer sentenced to death after a violent attack on his farm. The association called the earlier conviction a miscarriage of justice and said the governor’s intervention 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 effort toward a safer, more just and more united Nigeria, encouraging citizens to support their leaders and pray for the healing of the land. With the country facing numerous security challenges, CAN’s call for national renewal and justice serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts toward a more peaceful and secure Nigeria.
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