Recent statement credited to Senator Simon Bako Lalong, former Governor of Plateau State in alignment with the rebellious faction of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the North created by Rev John Hayab is unfortunate and very sad development for our Christian community.
The endorsement of the disgruntled Hayab group by Lalong, is a conduct unbecoming of true practising Catholic Christian. He should stop portraying himself as the black leg sowing seeds of divisions among Northern Christians and promoting illegalities just to settle political scores.
Let us not deceive ourselves, the creation of Hayab group is part of the larger agenda to weaken the unity among the Northern Christians the most vibrant chapter of the mainstream Christian Association of Nigeria.
There are important questions for Lalong to answer before we can dignify him with a response regarding his endorsement of the charade that took place in Abuja under the cover of darkness. Because Northern CAN meetings are held in Kaduna and not Abuja.
Why did Lalong took the rear seat when Christians were being attacked, killed and maimed in both Southern Kaduna, Plateau and Borno State by terrorists?
Where was Lalong when Christians were being kidnapped in broad light in both Kaduna and Plateau and the subsequent suspicious payment of ransom to terrorists by the grand profiteers to facilitate the release of the kidnapped victims? The questionable cash and carry approach in the handling of ransom payment should be condemned by Lalong and his co travellers.
Another critical observations is Lalong’s usual frenzy moment of felicitation with the wrong doers any time a prominent Northern CAN leader is removed from a sensitive government position as witnessed during the removal of Rev Yakubu Pam from the Christian Pilgrims Commission in Abuja. Similarly, Lalong is celebrating another underhand tactics employed illegally against a brethren. Action aimed towards creating division within the body of Christ.
It is an unfortunate situation that Lalong himself seems to be always issuing negative vituperation after his usual attendance of meeting at the residence of his side kick former Governor and minister in the precinct of new Asokoro extension.
As Northern Christians, we have resolved to rise up in defence of our God given liberty and resist any form of interference in our affairs from merchants of mischief working to introduce inter tribal disharmony and disunity in the midst of Northern Christians.
Everyone knows the scandalous incident that characterised the eight years tenure of Lalong as the Governor of Plateau State and his the short but colourless tenure as Minister of Labour. Sadly, the same person is now desperately trying to politicise Northern CAN in his own image with attendant hangover implication for us all in the Northern region.
From available snippets, Lalong was not happy that original leadership of Northern CAN refused to endorse his then Presidential of the APC aspirant from another. Fortunately, Lalong and his former Speaker colleague and side kick were trounced by President Bola Tinubu during the APC primaries. This seems to be the major reason why he and his hired guns are trying to put the body of Christ in reverse gear, precipitating disunity and stagnation inertia associated with the era when Hayab was active in the body.
When, these days, you read in the media space about meeting of Northern CAN disguised as Northern Christians Elders hosted, sponsored and paid for Abuja politicians; all bothering on disunity, you begin to wonder why they dissipate so much energy and time on trivialities, persecution and nothingness.
We know the role played by the original Northern CAN during the illegal declaration of State of Emergency in Plateau State during the Obasanjo era. We know their antecedent in tackling the many challenges facing us in terms of peaceful coexistence. It is known as a role model, toughened and propelled by dynamism and virility with a great sense of purpose.
Great communities are what they are today, universal giants because of tolerance, fear of God and diversity that consisted their togetherness. The good thing in question can only be brought about by love, peaceful coexistence, hardwork in a harmonious working condition and concerted demonstration of unity and not division being orchestrated by pretenders to the throne of leadership.
We urge all children of God to remain loyal and vigilant with the original leadership known to all of us which is not doubt in our souls and spirit. A leadership anchored on honesty, fear of God, unspeakable unity of purpose and unmitigated love for one another. A leadership that refused to sell out for selfish reasons.
Evangelist Audi Jacob
Chairman
Rally for Northern Christians