|By Chinwendu Nwani
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has faulted former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for what he described as “dangerous and divisive” remarks on the population of Southern Kaduna.
El-Rufai, in a Channels Television interview, had claimed that Southern Kaduna accounts for less than 25 percent of the state’s population, insisting he had no regrets about his policies toward the region during his eight years in office.
Responding on Monday, Reverend Hayab accused the former governor of harboring deep-seated hatred for Southern Kaduna and implementing policies that worsened disunity. He recalled past census controversies, including threats of legal action against the National Population Commission by a Shariah Committee when Southern Kaduna’s figures were deemed too high.
“The population of Southern Kaduna cannot just be dismissed,” Hayab stressed, noting that families in the area often raise as many as 15 to 23 children even without polygamy. He alleged that El-Rufai and his allies manipulated demographic data by inflating numbers in other zones to weaken Southern Kaduna’s political influence.
Hayab expressed disappointment that El-Rufai openly admitted to having no regrets for policies that marginalized the region. He rejected the ex-governor’s claim that only those who don’t know him call him a religious fundamentalist, insisting his own bitter experience under El-Rufai’s administration proved otherwise.
According to him, the relative peace now enjoyed in Kaduna stands in sharp contrast to the hostility of El-Rufai’s tenure. He argued that the former governor appears bitter because unity among citizens undercuts the divisive politics he promoted.
The CAN leader further urged that religion and ethnicity be included in future census exercises to curb manipulation of figures. He called on Nigerians to resist divisive narratives and embrace fairness, justice, and inclusiveness in governance.
“Our country’s unity will only be stronger when all citizens are treated with dignity, and truth is not sacrificed for political convenience,” Hayab declared.
