• No recognised chair until court decides –Pam

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A defending group led by Rev. Yakubu Pam in the leadership crisis of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern States and FCT, Abuja, has made clarification on ongoing Court proceedings over leadership dispute and recent developments in Northern CAN, saying that there is no recognised chairman until the Court has decided the matter.

Pam had disclaimed the new group led by Rev. Joseph Hayab for organising an election of new officials without following due process, but Rev. Joseph Hayab, who leads the opposing group, claimed that Rev. Pam’s tenure expired in 2022, having been reelected in 2019 for a three-year term of office.

However, Pam in a statement at the weekend stated that the status of proceedings at the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna over the dispute were not in tune with reports in public domain.

“Contrary to reports suggesting that the case has been adjourned indefinitely, this is not the correct position. At the last sitting of the court on September 18, 2025, counsels made submissions, and the case was adjourned for ruling.

 “The Honourable Judge announced that the court would communicate the date for judgment once it was ready. We remain committed to following due legal processes and respect for the sanctity of the judiciary. 

“We have noted with concern the misrepresentation circulating in some quarters regarding the status of our court case against Rev. Joseph Hayab, who has been parading himself as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  It is important to set the record straight.

“For the record, we wish to state that there is no recognised chairman of Northern CAN until the court delivers judgment in the matter before it.

Northern CAN was never established to be a political tool. Its mission is to promote peaceful coexistence and spiritual growth and to stand in the gap for Christians in Northern Nigeria, many of whom face unique and significant challenges.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, the church, and the media to reject actions that promote division in the body of Christ.

“To the Christian community, especially our brethren in the North, and to church leaders who continue to honour their divine callings, we urge you to remain steadfast in prayer and hope. These trials are temporary, and with perseverance, the truth shall prevail.

“To the politicians and political office holders, we offer a word of caution: be wary of the desperation and deceit that has driven certain individuals who have been moving from one government house to another in the name of Northern CAN.

“On the duration of the case, while we acknowledge that the process has taken time, we are not worried. The court operates within its procedures, and we believe that justice, no matter how long it takes, will prevail. Our duty is to remain patient and allow the court to dispense justice in accordance with the law.” the statement said.