Northern CAN Chairman Slams El-Rufai Over Southern Kaduna Population Remarks
UTV Africa News – Kaduna, Nigeria:
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for recent comments downplaying the population size of Southern Kaduna.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai claimed that Southern Kaduna accounts for less than 25 percent of the state’s population, and asserted that he had no regrets regarding his policies towards the region throughout his eight years in office.
In a sharp response on Monday, Reverend Hayab, who previously served as the Kaduna State CAN Chairman during El-Rufai’s tenure, described the former governor’s remarks as “dangerous, divisive, and a reflection of deep-seated hatred” for the Southern Kaduna people.
According to Hayab, El-Rufai’s comments are consistent with a longstanding pattern of governance that, in his view, fostered division and undermined unity in Kaduna State. He highlighted that, contrary to the governor's claims, Southern Kaduna has a significant and growing population, noting that while many families in the region may be led by pastors who do not practice polygamy, it is not unusual to find households with as many as 15 to 23 children.
Reverend Hayab alleged that population figures have been manipulated in parts of Kaduna to favor certain political interests, accusing El-Rufai of promoting such distortions. “It is not the people of Southern Kaduna who are lacking in number, but rather the figures from other regions that have been inflated,” he said.
Expressing disappointment, Hayab condemned El-Rufai’s unapologetic stance on his past policies and accused him of showing “clear disdain” for the region he once governed. He also pushed back against the former governor’s dismissal of being labeled a religious fundamentalist, saying: “I knew him personally, and I speak from the painful experiences endured under his administration.”
Hayab praised the current atmosphere of relative peace in Kaduna State, contrasting it with what he described as the tension and hostility under El-Rufai’s leadership. “This peace is what seems to trouble him now, because unity among the people challenges the divisive agenda he once benefited from,” he added.
Calling for greater transparency in demographic planning, the Northern CAN Chairman advocated for the inclusion of ethnicity and religion in future national census exercises to prevent manipulation for political gains.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and instead promote justice, equity, and inclusiveness. “Our nation’s unity depends on upholding truth and treating all citizens with fairness and dignity,” Reverend Hayab emphasized.
