In a recent interview on Arise TV, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, did not mince words in his criticism of Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent comments about Christians.
El-Rufai had been quoted as saying that he would not pay ransom to bandits who abduct people, including if they were his family members, and that those who negotiate with bandits were “compounding the problem.”
In response to these comments, Hayab slammed the governor, calling him a “madman” and accusing him of making “religious slurs” against Christians.
Hayab argued that El-Rufai’s comments were not only insensitive but also dangerous, as they could further exacerbate the already tense religious climate in the state.
“Governor El-Rufai’s comments were not only insensitive but also foolish and dangerous. It is unacceptable for a leader to make such inflammatory remarks that could lead to further violence and division in our society,” Hayab said on Arise TV.
Hayab went on to call for a retraction of the governor’s comments and for him to apologize to the Christian community in the state.
He also urged the federal government to take decisive action to address the security challenges facing the country, particularly the growing threat of banditry and kidnapping.
The CAN Chairman’s comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for his position and calling on the governor to show more sensitivity to the plight of the Christian community in Kaduna.