The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Joseph Hayab, has cautioned Nigerian politicians and religious leaders against greed, manipulation and selfish leadership, warning that the country risks deeper social division if leaders fail to embrace accountability and the fear of God.
Hayab, who also serves as Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Gonin Gora, Kaduna State, spoke on Sunday during the dedication of the church auditorium attended by politicians, traditional rulers, clerics and community leaders from different faiths.
The cleric used the occasion to call for greater religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, stressing that Nigerians must rise above ethnic, political and religious differences amid growing insecurity and distrust across parts of the country.
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“The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of knowledge, which implies that God expects us to fear Him. If we fear Him, then that means we are wise,” Hayab told journalists after the service.
He said the presence of Muslim guests throughout the event reflected the kind of interfaith understanding Nigeria urgently needs at a time religious and political tensions continue to fuel suspicion and division in several communities.
“Our Muslim friends came to celebrate with us and stayed throughout the service. This is a strong message that we need this kind of understanding in Nigeria. We need this kind of peace in Nigeria,” he said.
Hayab warned that building churches and mosques would amount to little if citizens and leaders failed to live together peacefully.
“Even if you build churches and mosques and people are not living together in peace, there will be no good service,” he stated. “Let us work together, live together and give our children and future generations a befitting legacy of love, peace and sacrifice for God.”
The Northern Christian leader also criticised political actors, accusing some public office holders of promoting manipulation, dishonesty and greed through their actions.
According to him, many young Nigerians are beginning to see manipulation as a pathway to success because of the examples being set by influential figures in society.
“Our young ones are not seeing enough good examples among us. They have seen us to be selfish, greedy and manipulative,” Hayab said.
“Manipulation is not success. Manipulation can lead to disruption. Any process you manipulate, thinking you are smart, will end up being a shame.”
His comments come amid renewed public debate over insecurity, governance failures and the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political landscape following recent kidnappings and attacks in parts of northern Nigeria.
In a separate commentary that circulated online, public affairs commentator Yahaya Balogun criticised both politicians and religious figures for what he described as years of failed leadership and neglect of ordinary Nigerians.
Balogun argued that increasing insecurity, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers, had exposed weaknesses in governance and the country’s security architecture.
He also questioned the credibility of some religious figures who claimed spiritual influence over insecurity and terrorism, saying many Nigerians were gradually becoming more critical of religious and political manipulation.
Balogun called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the rescue of kidnapped victims and strengthen security efforts nationwide.
Hayab has for years remained one of Northern Nigeria’s prominent advocates of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, particularly in Kaduna State where religious and ethnic tensions have repeatedly triggered violence.
He has consistently urged political leaders, clerics and traditional institutions to prioritise justice, tolerance and inclusive governance as essential tools for national stability and development.
