Northern CAN Slams “Religious Coup” by Rogue Elders, Reaffirms Rev. Pam’s L’ship

By TGNews

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has fiercely condemned what it described as a “fraudulent” and “divisive” attempt by a group of self-styled elders to usurp its leadership. At a press conference held at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, the association accused one Joseph Hayab and his associates of orchestrating a “religious coup” aimed at destabilizing the organization.

Elder Sunday Oibe, Secretary General of Northern CAN, addressed journalists, dismissing claims by the so-called “Concerned Christian Elders of the North” as a desperate bid for power by individuals with a history of misconduct.

The group, allegedly led by Hayab, reportedly held a meeting in Abuja last week where they appointed themselves as the new leadership of Northern CAN, covering the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“This action is not only fraudulent, illegal, crude, and self-serving, but tantamount to a religious coup,” Oibe declared, emphasizing that Hayab has no legitimate claim to leadership.

He provided a detailed account of Hayab’s contentious past within Northern CAN, including his suspension as Public Relations Officer under the late Archbishop Peter Jatau for insubordination, and his removal as Vice Chairman under Rev. Yakubu Pam for attempting to unseat the current chairman.

Oibe further revealed that during his tenure as Secretary of the Kaduna State CAN chapter, Hayab, alongside associates Samuel Kujiyet and Samuel Salifu, had branded Northern CAN an “illegal organization” and ordered the removal of its signboard from its Kaduna office.

“Hayab is not a member of Northern CAN, and his actions are those of an individual with personal motives rather than a genuine desire to serve the Christian community,” Oibe asserted.

The press conference also raised questions about the motives behind Hayab’s actions, with Oibe pointing to the suspicious involvement of a southerner from Lagos in the Abuja meeting. “Is Lagos part of the North?” he asked rhetorically, hinting at possible external influences seeking to undermine the organization.

Reaffirming the legitimacy of Rev. Yakubu Pam’s leadership, Oibe outlined the meticulous process Northern CAN has undertaken to review its bylaws and prepare for elections. Pam, who has served as chairman since his second term began, had pushed for elections in 2024 but was urged by the NEC to complete the bylaw review first. The new bylaws were finalized on January 20, 2025, with Pam pledging to announce an election date once they are printed and dedicated.

“We call on all those genuinely interested in the future of Northern CAN to join us in building this organization rather than attempting to destroy the foundation laid by our founding fathers,” Oibe said. He issued a stern warning to Hayab and his group to cease their “illegal actions” and desist from further attempts to destabilize the association.

The press conference concluded with a resolute message: “Christianity should not be manipulated for personal gain, and we will not tolerate fraud or deceit in our midst.” As Northern CAN stands firm in defense of its integrity, the unfolding controversy has sparked widespread debate about unity and leadership within Nigeria’s Christian community.