CAN asks Tinubu to address ‘religious bias’ in NWDC board composition
Christians in the North-West zone have expressed serious concerns over the recent appointment of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) board by the government, citing the absence of Christian representation.
In a statement signed by Elder Sunday Oibe, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North-West Zone, and issued to journalists in Kaduna, the association emphasized the importance of inclusivity in governance.
“We call on the presidency and the National Assembly to recognize that governance should be inclusive and representative of all communities it serves. Christians make up a significant portion of the population across the seven states in the North-West,” the statement read.
“We are deeply troubled that the newly constituted NWDC board excludes Christian representation. Regardless of the reasons for this oversight, it is unacceptable and must be addressed.”
The statement further expressed disappointment over what appears to be a pattern of exclusion, stating, “While former President Muhammadu Buhari was often criticized for nepotism and favoritism in appointments, we now find ourselves raising similar concerns about religious bias under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Christians in the North-West are vital stakeholders in the Nigerian project, and their interests cannot be sidelined.”
CAN urged President Tinubu to review the composition of the NWDC board to ensure fair representation. “There are indigenous Christian communities in every state of the North-West—Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara—who deserve to have their voices heard on this crucial commission.”
The statement also highlighted the ongoing marginalization and discrimination faced by Christians in many parts of the North-West, questioning how their interests can be effectively protected without representation.
“The leadership of CAN in the North-West is deeply concerned about this issue and strongly appeals to President Tinubu to take urgent steps in addressing our concerns,” the statement concluded.