The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (Northern CAN), Reverend Joseph John Hayab, has defended the recent change in nomenclature adopted by a bloc of northern Christian leaders, insisting the move followed a directive from the national body and does not signal division within the Church.
The development follows remarks made on Arise News by the Executive Secretary of Northern CAN, Elder Sunday Oibe, who questioned the legitimacy and motive behind the shift from “Northern Christian Association of Nigeria” to “Northern Christian Association”. Oibe alleged a lack of consultation and suggested political undertones.
Responding during a right of reply on Arise News, Hayab rejected the claims and described the controversy as unnecessary.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria under the leadership of Arbishop Daniel Oko wrote a letter to us the leaders of the northern Christians and asks us to meet with them on the 23rd of October and that meeting was held at the KHN headquarters here in Abuja,” he stated.
He said key northern leaders attended the meeting, including himself, the vice chairman, the secretary and assistant secretary. According to him, Elder Oibe and Reverend Yakubu Pam were also present.
“In that meeting myself the chairman, Reverend Dr. Jonah Samson the vice chairman, bishop Muhammad Naga the secretary and senior apostle Tajin the assistant secretary from Zanfara we are in attendance. Elder son Obe was with us in attendance and Reverend Yakobu pal,” he said.
Hayab explained that the national leadership raised concerns about identity and advised the northern bloc to adopt a distinct name to avoid confusion.
“The man simply said and his esco that look we can't stop you meeting together but we have some issues of this identity can you people on your own choose another name so that you will have a distinct unique identity so it wasn't even our decision it wasn't even our idea it was kind request,” he said.
He maintained that compliance with that request informed the rebranding process, adding that the group subsequently approached the Corporate Affairs Commission to formalise the change.
Addressing suggestions that the move was politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general elections, Hayab dismissed the allegation.
“Our interest is Christian security, Christian protection, Christian unity and Christian progress. 2027 or no 2027, we don't bloody care about that one. It's Christian unity that interest us now continuously,” he said.
Hayab further disputed claims that broad consultation did not occur, arguing that a clear majority supported the change.
“We have over 90% understanding and agreement to go that pattern. But because we are human, the possibility to have 100% may not be possible,” he said, adding that consensus at that level justified proceeding with the decision.
He also challenged Oibe’s designation as Executive Secretary, stating: “The fact of all is that when OB appeared before you yesterday, he used the term executive secretary. Some of us were just wondering there's no executive secretary in Khan. Even at the national Khan, there's no executive secretary.”
Beyond the name dispute, Hayab revisited internal leadership issues within the northern body, alleging that previous office holders exceeded their constitutionally defined tenure.
“Pal and Oibbe took over that thing and stayed till 2025 January, February. That means they exceeded their tenor with 2 years 9 months,” he said, arguing that such an extension would have drawn criticism had it occurred in political office.
He recounted that northern church leaders met in Abuja and voted to dissolve the former leadership after deliberations. According to him, a motion was moved and seconded, and new leadership emerged through established church procedures.
Despite the public exchanges, Hayab insisted the rebranded Northern Christian Association remains loyal to the national Christian Association of Nigeria.
“We have registered. We have obey K. We have a new name. Forward we go. We will no longer be distracted by people who for certain reason don't want to understand,” he said.