The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has raised the alarm over a recent rumour claiming that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had resigned, describing it as a deliberate attempt to trigger religious tension in the country.
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab stated this in Kaduna on Monday, stressing that the fake report, which claimed that Akume had been replaced by Hon. Hadiza Bala Usman, was not only false but crafted to incite religious and political unrest.
He said, the Christian community in the North, which had remained uneasy with the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, regards Akume’s role in the federal cabinet as a symbol of balance and inclusion, adding that any attempt to remove or malign such representation would be viewed as a direct threat to national unity and religious harmony.
“At a time when our country needs healing, national cohesion, and responsible leadership, it is disheartening that some individuals are toying with sensitive issues by spreading outright falsehood. Senator Akume is one of the few visible Christian figures in the federal executive, and his service has been marked by maturity, integrity, and dedication to national development,” he said.
Hayab said such propaganda was not only dangerous, but also indicative of an underground campaign to erode Christian presence in national governance.
He stressed that circulation of the rumour, if not immediately countered, could have triggered unnecessary tension between religious communities.
He therefore called on security and intelligence agencies to investigate the source of the claim and ensure that those behind it were held accountable.
While emphasising that maintaining peace and truth in the public space is a national responsibility, the cleric said that must be pursued with seriousness.
“The intention behind this propaganda is clear. Some people are not comfortable with peaceful coexistence and are determined to exploit religion and ethnicity for political gains. That must not be allowed to succeed,” he said.
He urged Senator Akume not to be discouraged by what he described as deliberate distractions, noting that the Northern Christian community remains steadfast in prayer and support for his continued service to the nation.
The Northern CAN leader added that Akume’s presence in the cabinet offers hope to millions of Christians who feel increasingly marginalised in the current political arrangement.
Hayab also commended the Presidency for swiftly debunking the rumour, saying such prompt clarification helped to douse tension and reassured the public.
He appealed to the federal government to remain sensitive to the diversity of the country and to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusion in all appointments and policy directions.
“The unity of Nigeria depends on leadership that recognises our diversity and governs with the fear of God. We expect the President to remain vigilant and committed to the values that hold our nation together,” Hayab said.
