Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Yakubu Pam, has recognised that the situation for Christians in northern Nigeria has improved under President Tinubu?s administration, while admitting that persecution is still ongoing.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Reverend Pam shared his thoughts on the inclusivity of governance under the current administration and the challenges facing Christians, particularly in the north.

?It is relevantly better now under this administration, but it is still ongoing, I am not saying that it has stopped but it is very very much better,? he said.

Reverend Pam clarified his previous comments on the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the Tinubu administration, stating that the focus is now on advocating for inclusivity.

He acknowledged that although they initially advocated for a Christian Vice President from the North, it was time to move forward to avoid further religious divisions.

?We are brothers here in the north and we are very careful of things that would further divide us in terms of religion,? he said. ?If the president has taken him to be his vice, at this moment, it would be out of context for us to still be advocating to remove him.?

He further highlighted the historical discrimination faced by the Christian minority in north, but also praised the efforts of the administration in recognising inclusivity.

?The Christian minority has suffered a lot of discrimination, but at each time they give us an assignment, we perform it to the best of our ability,? he said. ?We commend the administration of President Tinubu in one aspect of this inclusiveness.?

When asked if his views represented the stance of CAN, Reverend Pam affirmed. He pointed to examples of inclusivity under the current administration, including the appointment of the Secretary to the Federation, a Christian from the north.

?We felt that these are some of the things we could say yes, he has done very well,? he said, noting, however, that there is still more to be done.

On the question of whether the Muslim-Muslim ticket should continue, Reverend Pam clarified that while the situation cannot be changed now, northern Christians would continue advocating for the Vice President?s position in the future.

?In 2027, we are interested as northern Christians, yes, we would like to take the position of Vice President,? he said, adding that if the president decides otherwise, they would have no choice.

Reverend Pam raised concerns about difficulties in acquiring land for churches, forced marriages of young girls, and continued religious violence. Despite this, he expressed hope for a peaceful and balanced environment in the north where both Christians and Muslims can coexist.

?The northern CAN has been in the lead of advocacy to make sure that we have a northern region that is balanced in freedom of religion, unity, and peaceful environment for development,? he concluded. (AriseNews TV)

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