An Open Letter to Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Chairman, Northern CAN

Dear Reverend Hayab,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the Voice for the Voiceless.

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of moral responsibility that I write to express concern over the recent public statement issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Chapter, under your leadership, addressing what you described as media blackmail against Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

I would like to state that for over a decade, I have committed myself to faith-based media and communication. I understand the critical importance of promoting positive press, countering misinformation, and preaching against hate and hate speech in the media. I do not take lightly the power of media narratives to shape perceptions and fuel divisions. Therefore, I address this issue not as an outsider, but from a deeply familiar and experienced perspective.

That said, it is difficult to understand how, amid the enormous challenges facing Christians and communities across Northern Nigeria from insecurity, displacement, and poverty to religious marginalization CAN’s focus would be directed toward defending the image of a well-connected individual already protected by power and privilege.

Just recently, during the Easter period, a deeply painful and avoidable tragedy occurred in Billiri, Gombe State, where a Christian procession was violently disrupted, and lives were lost to the reckless and reportedly deliberate actions of a driver. This act, which struck at the heart of a peaceful religious observance, united Christians and Muslims in grief and condemnation. It was a moment demanding urgent leadership, public outcry, and prophetic advocacy.

And yet, CAN’s voice and voice we have long relied on to speak truth to power was not raised strong enough in a wide media publicity in the defense of the grieving families or to demand justice for the fallen. Instead, the association chose to issue a statement in defense of the president’s son a man with resources, media access, and support, unlike the voiceless victims in our communities.

This is deeply troubling.

CAN is called to be the conscience of the Christian community, the moral compass of our nation, and a servant to the vulnerable. When it aligns itself with the privileged at the expense of the afflicted, it risks losing both its credibility and its calling. Leadership must not be measured by proximity to power, but by fidelity to justice, truth, and compassion.

Reverend Hayab, I respectfully urge you to reflect on the weight of your office and the urgency of this moment. Northern Nigeria needs courageous and focused spiritual leadership not distracted by political courtesies, but driven by prophetic clarity.

Let CAN return to its role as the defender of the oppressed, the voice for the grieving, and a champion for peace and justice. Let it not be remembered for misplaced priorities in a time of pain.

May the Lord strengthen you for the work ahead and grant you the wisdom to lead with justice and truth.

Sincerely,
Felix Joseph Samari, ANPR
Public Relations Practitioner
Freedom of Religion or Belief Trainer
Faith-Based Diplomacy Expert
April 30, 2025