The Concerned Christian Youth of Northern Nigeria (CCYNN) has asked politicians to stop meddling in the affairs of the church. Addressing a press conference on Saturday in Kaduna, Chairman of the group, Paul Katuka, alleged that some politicians were behind the current crisis rocking the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The leadership crisis in Northern CAN has resulted in the emergence of a faction led by Rev. Joseph Hayab, who claimed that the tenure of Rev. Yakubu Pam, the incumbent chairman of the association, expired over two years ago.
The CCYN, particularly, frowned at the congratulatory message sent to Hayab by Senator Simon Lalong, a former governor of Plateau state. The group maintained that Lalong’s message to Hayab was in bad faith as he was out to settle alleged personal political with Pam, who is also from Plateau state.
Katuka said that rather than making efforts to amicably resolve the issues and unite the church, some politicians are congratulating somebody who proclaimed himself winner in an election that is illegal held.
Katuka said further, “It is deeply troubling that a politician, rather than recognised church leaders, has taken it upon himself to validate an election whose legitimacy remains highly questionable.
“Politicians have no constitutional authority to interfere in the leadership affairs of Northern CAN, an institution governed by a structured system and clear bylaws.
“If this so-called election were truly legitimate, we would have expected congratulatory messages from church leaders not from politicians…
“We, as Northern Christian Youth, will not stand idly by while politicians attempt to destabilize our spiritual leadership.
“We strongly advise Lalong to direct his political grievances elsewhere and to keep his hands off the sacred matters of the Church.”
The group warned that, “Any attempt to manipulate or impose leadership on Northern CAN from outside, will be resisted by every well-meaning Christian in the North.
The group called on all Christian leaders in the North to stand firm against external interference and uphold the integrity of the Church.
It urged Christian youths to remain vigilant and steadfast in defending the truth, ensuring that the body of Christ remains free from political contamination.
The group adbised politicians to focus on fulfilling their electoral promises to the people and speak out against the marginalisation of Christians in Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto among others states in the north.
“We will not tolerate politicians using their positions to divide the church for their selfish interest”, Katuka said.
