By Emmanuel Kwada
The Northern Nigeria Unity Initiative (NNUI) has issued a powerful denunciation of Rev. Yakubu Pam, the leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of betraying the interests of Northern Christians through his recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Monday, Elder Mark Wosi, the Director-General of NNUI, described Rev. Pam’s actions as “self-serving” and disconnected from the pressing realities faced by the Christian community in Northern Nigeria.
Rev. Pam and his associates pat themselves on the back, they fail to confront the very issues that have left our community marginalized and vulnerable
The NNUI’s criticism centers around Rev. Pam’s commendation of the Tinubu administration for promoting inclusive governance, a sentiment that Elder Wosi argues is a stark contrast to the injustices that have proliferated under the current regime. “While Rev. Pam and his associates pat themselves on the back, they fail to confront the very issues that have left our community marginalized and vulnerable,” he stated.
Highlighting the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 elections, Wosi questioned Rev. Pam’s silence on this critical matter. “Where was Rev. Pam when Northern Christians were faced with this unprecedented challenge?” he asked, suggesting that the endorsement of a government perceived as biased against Christians is more about maintaining influence than addressing genuine concerns of the community.
The NNUI firmly asserts that Rev. Pam’s views do not reflect the stance of the broader Christian community in the North, urging that his support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be viewed as his personal opinion rather than the consensus of CAN in the region. “We reject his attempts to impose decisions that do not resonate with the needs of our people,” Wosi emphasized.
The APC has clearly signaled their lack of trust in Northern Christians by omitting us from key appointments
Critics of the current administration have pointed to a pattern of neglect and favoritism, with Northern Christians being largely excluded from significant positions of power.
“The APC has clearly signaled their lack of trust in Northern Christians by omitting us from key appointments,” Wosi remarked, questioning why community leaders would endorse a government that has failed to represent them.
Rev. Pam’s historical ties to the APC, including his tenure as a member of the party and former National Executive Secretary of the Christian Pilgrimage Board, have further fueled suspicions regarding his motivations. “His eagerness to support the APC can only be seen as a means to secure personal advancement rather than a commitment to our community’s welfare,” Wosi argued.
As the region grapples with escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and rising inflation, the NNUI has called for a united front against what they characterize as a betrayal of Christian values and principles. “The stakes have never been higher,” Wosi asserted, urging community members to demand accountability from their leaders.
The time has come for genuine leadership that prioritizes the welfare of our community over individual ambitions
“The time has come for genuine leadership that prioritizes the welfare of our community over individual ambitions,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure that the voices of Northern Christians are heard and represented.
The NNUI’s statement serves as a rallying cry for a more authentic advocacy that truly reflects the struggles and aspirations of Northern Christians, challenging leaders like Rev. Pam to reconsider their positions in light of the pressing needs of the community.
