The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), formerly known as Northern CAN, Joseph Hayab, has urged political leaders in Nigeria to shun greed, selfishness and manipulation, stressing the need for leaders to govern with integrity and the fear of God.
Hayab, who also serves as the Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace Baptist Church, made the remarks on Sunday after the dedication of the church auditorium in Gonin Gora, Kaduna State.
The event drew the attendance of notable Nigerians, including politicians, traditional rulers, clerics and other dignitaries.
Addressing journalists shortly after the service, Hayab emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, political or religious affiliations.
“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,” he said.
According to the cleric, the church intentionally welcomed people from other faiths to the celebration to promote mutual understanding and strengthen peace across the country.
“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 stated.
Hayab noted that erecting places of worship would have little meaning if citizens failed to live together in harmony.
“Even if you build churches and mosques and people are not living together in peace, there will be no good service.
So let us work together, live together and give our children and future generations a befitting legacy of love, peace and sacrifice for God,” he added.
He further challenged political office holders to embrace honesty and accountability, warning that the behaviour of leaders was shaping the mindset of younger Nigerians.
“Political actors must fear God, be honest with themselves and speak the truth. Let them show good examples because they have become role models. If they do bad, those coming behind them will do bad,” he said.
The NCA chairman expressed concern that many youths now see manipulation as a means to achieve success because of the actions of some leaders.
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“Our young ones are not seeing enough good examples among us. They have seen us to be selfish, greedy and manipulative. They are thinking that when you manipulate things and get away with it, then you are a superstar.
“Manipulation is not success. Manipulation can lead to disruption. Any process you manipulate, thinking you are smart, will end up being a shame,” Hayab warned.
He also reminded leaders that everyone would eventually account for their deeds before God.
“There is a day of judgment. The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich and Lazarus did not go to heaven because he was poor, but because of their attitude,” he stated.
Hayab has remained a prominent advocate of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in Northern Nigeria, especially in Kaduna State, where ethnic and religious tensions have occasionally resulted in violence and unrest.
As chairman of the Northern Christian Association, formerly Northern CAN, he has repeatedly encouraged political, religious and community leaders to promote justice, tolerance and inclusive governance as key ingredients for lasting peace and national progress.