Joseph Hayab, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman for the 19 Northern states and the FCT, has urged for increased restraint and decorum in public discourse. He shared his perspective during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ program on Monday.
Hayab was responding to a viral video featuring Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahya Jingir, who suggested that those opposed to a Muslim-Muslim political ticket should vacate the country because Nigeria belongs to Muslims. Hayab noted that while the nation has endured similar inflammatory rhetoric in the past, the use of the term ‘infidel’ significantly worsens the situation.
The Christian leader stated that while political advocacy is expected, shifting into insults and derogatory labeling crosses a harmful threshold. He emphasized that Christians have dealt with such divisive narratives for years and advocated for constructive conversations with more reasonable religious leaders to foster national stability.
