Northern Christian chairman to Kaduna politicians: Shun divisive politics

The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has called on political actors in Kaduna state to conduct their campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections in a manner that promotes unity rather than division, urging them to focus on what they can offer the people instead of exploiting ethnic or religious differences.

Hayab made the appeal on Thursday in Kaduna during the official inauguration of the Kaduna State Indigenous Ministers Association (KASIMA), where he stressed that politics should serve as a platform for strengthening peaceful coexistence and advancing the state’s development. Blueprint reports

He said Kaduna had begun to witness renewed efforts aimed at restoring unity and inclusiveness across its diverse communities, urging politicians across party lines to sustain the positive momentum.

“As Kaduna State people, we must commend our governor and some of the political actors at this time. They are beginning to restore the unity that we have always yearned to see in Kaduna State, where every section of the state is considered part of the state building, part of the state leadership and part of the state’s togetherness.

“We shouldn’t pretend that we have not seen it. We have seen it, we are happy about it and we encourage it,” he said.

Hayab urged politicians not to allow the election season become another period of hostility among citizens, but rather an opportunity to deepen understanding and strengthen social harmony.

“Let this political era be a peaceful era, an era of unity. Let politicians come and tell us what they can deliver for Kaduna State. Since leadership belongs to everybody, let us support those we believe can deliver.

“Governor Uba Sani has shown leadership, and I am happy that other political actors in other parties are also doing the same. Please allow this period of politics not to divide us but to unite us. Let it make us feel that we are all Kaduna State people who want the very best for our state.”

The cleric added that whoever eventually emerges as the people’s choice should concentrate on delivering good governance instead of promoting sectional interests.

“Whoever God gives leadership among you should go and serve, deliver the goods and make Kaduna State what all of us desire,” he said.

Pastors must contribute to state development

Speaking on the inauguration of KASIMA, Hayab said the association was established to bring together indigenous ministers from across Kaduna State to contribute meaningfully to peace building, good governance and community development.

According to him, the association had existed informally for more than five years before its official inauguration.

He explained that the formal inauguration would enable the body to operate more openly and engage constructively with government and other stakeholders in promoting the state’s progress.

“We cannot work separately; we have to come together. The leadership inaugurated today will reach every local community so that every indigenous pastor in Kaduna State can identify with the state, stand with the state, support the state and also correct any wrong he sees.

“Our role is not to be praise singers but to help ensure that the right things are done across Kaduna State. If the right thing is done in Ikara, Sanga, Kachia, Kauru and every other part of the state, Kaduna will become a peaceful and better home for all of us.”

He urged Christians in Kaduna State to take ownership of the state’s development by actively supporting initiatives that promote peace and security.

“Until and unless we wake up and take Kaduna State as our own, we will continue to grumble and fight while nothing changes.

“We are challenging Christians who are indigenous to Kaduna State to see this as their state. That is how we can effectively fight the insecurity we are battling with. When we speak with one voice, support our leaders and correct them where necessary, Kaduna State will become what all of us desire.”

Leadership requires patience

Hayab advised the newly inaugurated KASIMA executives to approach their responsibilities with humility, patience and understanding, describing leadership as one of the most demanding responsibilities anyone could undertake.

“Leadership among people is one of the most complicated things. The day you become a leader, your relationship changes. They need patience and understanding, but the people also have a role to play by supporting their leaders.

“We cannot expect leaders to perform magic without our support. Leadership succeeds when followers also play their part.”

CAN pledges collaboration with KASIMA

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, Rev. Joel Simon Madaki, described KASIMA as an important platform that would strengthen Christian unity and contribute to peace building across the state.

He said CAN, as the umbrella body for Christians in Kaduna State, would continue to work closely with the newly inaugurated association.

“The relationship between CAN and KASIMA is one of partnership. Together we will promote peace, unity and continue speaking for the welfare of our people in Kaduna State.”

Madaki urged the new leadership to remain united, stressing that effective leadership would determine the success of the association.

“My advice is simple: everything rises and falls on leadership. Let them remain united so they can foster peace, promote unity and bring glory to God through their service.”

KASIMA president outlines vision

Earlier, the newly inaugurated President of KASIMA, Archbishop Dr. Joseph Yari Jatau, said the association would prioritise unity among indigenous pastors while supporting efforts aimed at sustaining peace and development in Kaduna State.

He explained that KASIMA would collaborate with both government and non-indigenous ministers serving in the state to promote peaceful coexistence.

“Our responsibility is to unite indigenous pastors, support the government through prayers and every legitimate means available, and ensure Kaduna remains peaceful.

“The Bible instructs us to pray for the peace of the land because when the land has peace, the people also enjoy peace. That will remain our guiding principle.”

Jatau disclosed that the association drew participants from all the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State and would subsequently inaugurate local government chapters to strengthen grassroots engagement.

The event attracted church leaders, government officials and Christian faithful from across the state, who expressed optimism that the association would contribute to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development in Kaduna State.