Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that President Bola Tinubu means well for the country but must do more to ease the growing hardship and insecurity.
Pam, who spoke in an interview during a condolence visit in Kaduna over the weekend, noted that the President inherited a difficult situation but warned that citizens are running out of patience.
“There is hardship. Whoever says that there is no hardship, I think that person is not speaking the truth,” he said.
He said the president has justified what he found on the ground and assured that with time, things will get better.
“The only word I would give to him is that we should continue with the newness of hearts and sincerity to Nigerians”, Pam said.
He added that intentions matter, and Tinubu appears to be on the right path
“I could see that President Tinubu has a very good intention for the country. I know that he has given his word to Nigerians, and I also know that he is doing his best in terms of improving the economy, infrastructure, and in terms of leadership,” he said.
Pam however warned that intentions alone are not enough, particularly as the danger signals are still rising in terms of insecurity.”
He also revisited the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to power, saying while Christians initially opposed it, they have since chosen to support the president’s efforts.
“Yes, we said it. Muslim-Muslim ticket wasn’t a good thing because of our diversity.
“However, when it started, we saw the spirit in which the president came out to defend what he had on the ground.
“And if the situation arises again, we will say Christians would like to take the number two position”, he said.
On the issue of creation of state police, the northern CAN leader declared full support, while cautioning against its abuse.
“I am 100 per cent in support. State police is the best. Yes, there are some disadvantages when some governors will use it for their own political whatever, but I believe the laws that will back it, will be able to protect against misuse.”
Pam also raised concerns about political desperation and its threat to national unity, urging politicians to guide against utterances capable of causing chaos in the country.
“What I fear most is that when people do not trust the will of God for power, everybody wants to use all means. And when you talk of all means, some of the means are very dirty, very deadly,” he said.
He warned that divisive politics and the “winner-takes-all” syndrome is fueling agitation and mistrust across regions and religions.
“We have seen in Nigeria today where one side will say we have to take it all. So when one side is taking it all, then this is where crisis comes up.
“Go to some states and see. Some ethnic groups have become like slaves. They are not carried along in the affairs of the state. Nothing is given to them. The same thing happens at the local government level. If such continues, it means that we are taking the wrong pathway and definitely it will boomerang one day.”
He called on the federal government to ensure that the 2027 general election is credible, inclusive, and free from manipulation.
“I would encourage this election to be transparent and to be one of the best,” he added.
