Religious Persecution Rises Under Tinubu, Says Northern CAN Chair – International Edition (English)

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Zone, Rev. John Hayab, discusses President Bola Tinubu’s achievements over two years, efforts towards reducing poverty, and various other topics with ISRAEL BULUS.

Many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship. From the lens of the church, how are Christians coping with the rising cost of living and the impact of subsidy removal?

Sadly, the problem of poverty and financial struggles encompasses all groups without exception. No faith, area, or affiliation can completely shield itself from this challenge. An increase in fuel costs does not advantage Christians or Muslims specifically; instead, it impacts everybody alike.

This also holds true for various economic policies that adversely affect the broader public. All of us are affected. As a congregation, we have mechanisms in place to assist our members. Is this sufficient though?

Perhaps not yet, but I can assure you that many churches across Nigeria are actively engaged in economic empowerment initiatives aimed at cushioning the effects of poverty. The more poverty persists, the more we will continue to see insecurity, because poverty fuels insecurity.

Besides that, are there alternative methods through which your organization is combating poverty?

I personally manage and act as the Country Director for the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria. Over the last two to three years, a key focus area for us has been empowering women, particularly those with low incomes. To achieve this, we've implemented skills development programs along with financial education courses since we recognize that depending only on governmental support isn’t sufficient.

Frankly speaking, one of the biggest issues with government anti-poverty programs is their frequent exploitation by politicians. Often, the intended recipients do not get the assistance; instead, it goes to political allies and associates. Sometimes, names are added merely for appearances, while the individuals listed are supposed to return portions of the allocated funds as bribes.

How is your organization approaching things uniquely?

As an NGO, we operate with increased transparency. We do not exploit or mistreat individuals. Our sole commitment is to enhance livelihoods since this nation is inclusive for everyone. The church has taken an active role as well. In just the last three weeks, I have toured multiple churches that run significant assistance programs.

Allow me to illustrate with an instance. I am affiliated with the Baptist Church, more precisely within the Nigerian Baptist Convention, which also oversees the ownership of Bowen Microfinance Bank. At present, this bank maintains branches in locations such as Obanikoro and elsewhere in Lagos. Its operations extend all the way up north too. There are numerous initiatives we undertake to support the community.

Could you point out some of the activities undertaken by your foundation?

We recognize women with entrepreneurial potential who struggle to obtain funding. The church serves as a surety for these individuals. Their paperwork is sent to the bank, resulting in small business loans for them. We keep a close watch over this process.

The group of women convene every week to monitor their advancements, exchange stories, and gain insights from each other. Take for example, some might run businesses selling sugar, others peddle beans, and different ones trade oil—thus forming a modest commercial network wherein they mutually assist one another.

A lady preparing akara can source beans from one vendor and oil from someone else. This exemplifies community empowerment at work. I am greatly impressed by the initiatives taken by the Baptist Convention, and I'm aware that comparable programs are being carried out in churches such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God and within the Anglican Communion.

To put it frankly, this country has great reason to be thankful to the church. Were it not for their interventions, poverty in Nigeria would likely be significantly more severe. Although the church is making considerable efforts, one must remember that Nigeria is an extensive nation.

Despite having influenced a million people, it remains just a fraction of the overall populace. Therefore, we should persist and increase our endeavors until a considerable proportion of the community has been bettered.

So, I appeal to Mr. President, as he goes into his third year, his administration should partner with faith-based organisations and other trusted institutions for poverty alleviation.

These organizations boast a history of achieving tangible outcomes. Personally, I've pledged never to claim anything that belongs to Grace or Aisha. My objective is solely to secure my own possessions, without desiring any additional share.

Do you believe the government has demonstrated sufficient empathy towards disadvantaged populations, such as internally displaced persons?

The condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is another significant worry. There have been recent talks about providing amnesty to outlaws. I proposed something straightforward: if amnesty is being offered to offenders, then there should also be organized assistance provided to their victims. It’s impossible to overlook those who have lost everything.

I'm not opposed to amnesty programs—they can sometimes be essential. However, such measures should always be fair and just. Consider the families who paid ransoms to these individuals whom we're now planning to rehabilitate. And what about those who suffered the loss of their loved ones, were forced to sell all their possessions, and now endure lives filled with trauma and heartache? We mustn’t overlook their pain and suffering.

The government needs to establish initiatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by victims, offering them counseling, financial assistance, and chances for economic renewal. It is crucial that we do not set up a framework which seems to endorse aggression while overlooking those who followed the rules and consequently endured losses.

What is your evaluation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's performance during his initial two years in office, particularly as viewed by Christian groups within northern Nigeria?

When Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was strategising to become President, his decision to pick a fellow Muslim as running mate stirred much controversy. As a member of the National Executive Council of CAN, many of us strongly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket. In Nigeria, leadership has often been shaped by patronage rather than performance, and we feared that trend would continue.

Nonetheless, Tinubu adopted a strategic approach. He engaged with Christian leadership figures, making visits to the CAN national secretariat as well as interacting with various pivotal stakeholders. He conveyed to us that his decision was driven by political considerations rather than religious ones, emphasizing that his running mate would ensure impartiality and balance.

A few of us decided to offer him an opportunity. During our gatherings, we established clear guidelines for inclusive leadership. After two years, the conversation about his contentious platform has evolved—he is now actively leading. On his first day, his daring statement that 'the subsidy is finished' indicated that he was ready to make hard choices rather than promote a religious ideology.

As someone from Southern Kaduna, I can say that there has been some respite compared to previous times of distress. Nationally speaking, the last couple of years have seen financial pressures, increases in fuel prices, higher cost of living, and an atmosphere of unpredictability. However, not all aspects are bleak. The leader took over a divided country and is attempting to steer through this challenging situation.

Have religious leaders and the government intentionally worked together on peacebuilding efforts?

Absolutely, and I state this unequivocally: significant strides have been made in this area. Previously, one of the major hurdles in addressing instability was the notion held by certain government officials that they exclusively possessed all solutions. However, the present security council led by President Tinubu has embraced a more collaborative strategy; they welcome discussions.

We've observed increased interaction with the offices of the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the DSS, the National Intelligence Agency, as well as from several service chiefs.

Despite the disproportionate selections, like appointing Defense Ministers from one area exclusively, this could have been a calculated strategy to pacify that particular region.

As mentioned, we're starting to observe a change. Take rice as an instance; it has dropped from N100,000 per bag to N75,000. While this isn’t perfect, it does indicate some progress.

Similarly, the battle against insecurity continues, yet we've transitioned from widespread massacres to less frequent occurrences in areas such as Southern Kaduna. This represents advancement, albeit at a gradual pace.

Nevertheless, criminal organizations have become more powerful over time. Eradicating them won't be simple. This is why I consistently promote wider cooperation. Increased participation from all stakeholders is essential. Without making this battle everybody's cause, we'll remain stuck in a loop.

What is your evaluation of religious liberty during this administration?

We have clear instances of religious persecution occurring. Not long ago, a 16-year-old girl was kidnapped, forced into conversion, and wedded without her consent. We put considerable effort into securing her freedom and providing support during her recovery. Before she was moved to another location for protection, she resided at my house along with her dad.

Refusing to acknowledge the existence of religious persecution means turning a blind eye to what is really going on, particularly in northern Nigeria, where individuals' rights are consistently trampled upon. Should such injustices befall Esther, James, or Grace—even though they may not impact me directly—it still represents an infringement upon each one of us.

Laws ensuring religious freedom must be implemented. Those responsible should be held accountable. The case of Zena serves as an example among numerous others. Several aspects remain unknown to the general populace. Should the authorities not take strong action, the oppressed will keep enduring hardships.

What do you think about the federal government recently approving the establishment of a Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia and upgrading the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan into a teaching hospital? How important are these initiatives for Southern Kaduna?

These are highly praiseworthy establishments. By introducing institutions such as universities or teaching hospitals to an area like Southern Kaduna, you're not only erecting structures; you're providing opportunities and empowerment for future generations.

Our children have struggled for years to gain admission into universities far away. Some can’t afford the transport fare to Zaria or Jos. But now, with a university in Kachia, things will be different. Also, with the upgrade of the Kafanchan FMC to a teaching hospital, healthcare will improve, and young people studying medicine or health sciences will have better local training.

However, I consistently advise our team members that we need to strike a balance between emotions and intelligence. Indeed, we were overlooked in the past, but since the administration has finally acknowledged us, we should fully accept this opportunity.

We mustn’t let old grievances cloud our judgment about present advantages. By turning down or hindering these initiatives, we would only end up harming ourselves. We pride ourselves as an open-minded community—let’s demonstrate it. Instead, let’s back this progress and maximize its potential.

Are you optimistic about the university and Federal Medical Centre having a transformative effect on Southern Kaduna over the longer term?

Certainly! Consider Zaria. The city wasn’t always as developed as it is now. Its growth can be attributed to key institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, the Polytechnic, and the Teaching Hospital. Similarly, with proper management, Kachia University could transform Kachia into a center of excellence.

The situation in Kafanchan mirrors this. Within the next 10 to 20 years, these areas might transform positively beyond recognition. Perhaps someday, a future leader or eminent scientist will arise from the halls of Kachia University.

What priorities should the Federal and Kaduna State governments set for Southern Kaduna and the remainder of the state?

First priority is security. Without it, every other endeavor becomes futile. Even with infrastructure like roads, schools, or hospitals, none will be utilized if individuals face kidnappings, assaults, or displacement. Only when tranquility and protection prevail can citizens tend to their fields, send children to class, operate businesses, and lead unrestricted lives.

Following security concerns, our priority should be well-maintained roads. Numerous areas in Southern Kaduna remain isolated or challenging to access. Additionally, functional healthcare facilities are essential rather than merely constructing empty buildings; these centers require medicines, personnel, and medical equipment. Schools ought to be refurbished to provide an adequate learning environment once more. Do not overlook the importance of reliable power supply either—there are communities that have lacked electricity for decades now.

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