BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Northern Christian Association has urged political leaders across party lines to place Nigeria’s interest above personal and partisan ambitions as the country moves closer to another election cycle.
The association also called on citizens to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration for sober reflection on the nation’s worsening security and socio-economic challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, hardship, and rising social tension.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the group congratulated the Muslim faithful on the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the festival as a reminder of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and submission to the will of God.
It said Nigeria’s present realities demand unity of purpose, patriotism, and sincere commitment from all segments of society, stressing that no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of division and mistrust.
The association noted that Northern Nigeria has continued to bear the burden of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes, and other violent crimes that have displaced families and destroyed livelihoods across several communities.
According to the statement, these persistent challenges should not further divide citizens, but rather strengthen collective resolve toward peace, reconciliation, and national rebuilding.
It maintained that Christians and Muslims share a common destiny and responsibility in sustaining the country’s stability, having lived together for generations as neighbours and partners in nation-building.
The group therefore urged Nigerians to reject hate speech, incitement, intolerance, and every form of conduct capable of undermining peaceful coexistence and national unity.
It further called for sustained interfaith cooperation, noting that Nigeria’s diversity should be preserved as a strength rather than exploited for political gain or conflict.
On the political climate, the association urged political actors to conduct their activities with maturity, restraint, and strict adherence to democratic principles.
“Nigerians deserve issue-based politics that promote peace, stability, development and national unity, rather than actions capable of creating unnecessary tension or throwing the country into avoidable chaos,” the statement read.
It also reminded leaders that public office is a sacred trust that demands accountability, humility, justice, and service to humanity, adding that all leaders will ultimately be accountable for their stewardship.
The association further encouraged citizens to extend kindness to widows, orphans, displaced persons, and families facing economic hardship during the festive period, noting that the essence of Eid-el-Kabir lies in sacrifice, compassion, and generosity.
It prayed for lasting peace, healing, reconciliation, and national progress as Muslims across the country mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
