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Muslim-Muslim ticket : Northern CAN lauds Tinubu on inclusive governance, Says SGF
SGF urges Northern Christians to maintain peace
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inclusive governance irrespective of ethno- religious differences of the people has overtaken the hitherto heated argument about the Muslim-Muslim ticket at the Presidency.
However, the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam told newsmen in an interview shortly after the meeting of the National Executive Committee of the CAN in Kaduna that it would be good to have a Christian as number two citizen at the Presidency for balancing between the two major religions in the country.
“For me, the most important thing is a government that is inclusive and as far as they have done Muslim-Muslim ticket, we have also seen reasonably inclusiveness. Left for us, we will say yes, let’s have Christians in certain positions like Vice President and other positions to reflect our diversity.
“The Presidency will be good to bring a Christian as number 2. We will appreciate it; there is nothing wrong with that. Whatever way, the important thing is that insecurity should be tackled.
“We know the desire of people is to see that insecurity is addressed so that they can go about their normal daily activities without fear.
“This is already happening; we want the government to declare a complete state of emergency on the issue of insecurity. We may have a Christian there and killings may still be going on, but it is something we still pray for.
“The performance of the current administration is going on a little bit better, but we want them to do more. There are pockets of things here and there that should be addressed. The situation is not as bad as the previous years where there were bombings.”
He acknowledged that the major challenge right now is hunger, adding that people are really suffering. “Prices of commodities are crazy. That is what we are crying for now. But the President has said that with time, it will be better. I believe, let’s see how it goes,” Pam said.
Earlier in his address to the meeting, Rev. Pam said, “Your presence here today reminds us of our duty to continually pray for His Excellency, the President, and for the peace, progress, and prosperity of our beloved nation.
“While we celebrate unity and religious harmony, we cannot overlook the significant challenges facing Christians and the general population in Northern Nigeria.
“Our region continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including banditry, insurgency, and terrorism, which have destabilized communities and left many displaced.
“The menace of kidnapping for ransom remains a pressing concern, causing fear and hardship for countless families across the North. The ongoing crises between farmers and herders have devastated lives, disrupted agricultural activities, and threatened food security in the region.
“Christians in some states still face challenges in acquiring land for church buildings, as well as marginalization in political appointments and access to opportunities.
“The rising cost of living and limited economic opportunities have left many struggling to survive, particularly in the face of insecurity and displacement.
“We appreciate the efforts made by Mr. President and his administration to address these issues, but we appeal for greater intervention to restore peace and stability in Northern Nigeria.
“We also wish to express our concerns regarding political appointments. For example, in the North-West Development Commission, no Christian from the region was considered for appointment; instead, a Christian from the South-East was included.
“While we acknowledge and thank Mr. President for appointing a Christian as SGF and a few ministers, we humbly request more inclusion of Northern Christians in key political positions and decision-making roles.
“We commend your unwavering commitment to promoting religious harmony and unity in the discharge of your duties. Northern Nigeria has endured significant setbacks due to religious crises, and we need leaders like you–leaders who prioritize unity, fairness, and peace”.
In his response, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka informed the gathering that President Tinubu was committed to promoting good governance across the country.
To this end, the SGF urged Northern CAN to continue to pray for unity, love and peace in the region.
Security presence surged around the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as operatives from multiple agencies were deployed ahead of the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged corruption-related offences.
By about 7:00 a.m., heavily armed personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had taken positions at strategic locations leading to the court complex situated within the old Nigerian Defence Academy area.
Access roads to the venue witnessed restrictions, forcing vehicles into a single lane from the Ungwan Sarki axis through Kawo and triggering early morning gridlock.
The heavy security followed a prior notice by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission that it would arraign El-Rufai on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the former governor would be docked alongside one Joel Adoga in suit number FHC/KD/73/2026.
The agency explained that the charges against the defendants include alleged conversion, unlawful possession of public property, and money laundering.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, and one Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The charges range from conversion of and possession of public property to money laundering,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that another case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, had been instituted against El-Rufai and one Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court.
According to the commission, the state charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
“Similarly, another charge against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule has been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges range from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage, among others,” the statement added.
The ICPC said both cases were filed on March 18, 2026, adding that a date for arraignment in the state court would be announced later.
It also insisted that El-Rufai had been properly served, stressing its adherence to due process and the rule of law.
The development came amid growing pressure from stakeholders, including the African Democratic Congress, which called for his immediate release or arraignment, describing his continued detention without formal charges as unconstitutional.
In the same vein, the Muslim Rights Concern criticised his prolonged detention, while members of his family also alleged a breach of his fundamental rights.
El-Rufai was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026, granted bail two days later, and subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC.
He has remained in the custody of the anti-graft agency since then, pending his arraignment.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
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The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
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