By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
A former Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Northern Nigeria, Evangelist Musa D Misal, has condemned recent verbal attacks on Reverend Joseph Hayab over the adoption of a new name for the Christian body in the North.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria recently adopted a new name, Northern Christian Association (NCA), a development that has attracted mixed reactions.
But responding to some verbal attacks on Reverend Joseph Hayab, Evangelist Musa Misal described the attacks as unwarranted and uncalled for.
Speaking to our Correspondent in Gombe over what he described as matters of concern in the Christian body in the North, Evangelist Musa said all efforts to disparage Reverend Hayab and other leaders only exposed his critics and their true colours.
Evangelist Musa particularly cautioned Elder Sunday Oibe to stop creating confusion in the affairs of Northern Christian Association and also stop disgracing himself and the church with his lies and distortion of facts.
He said, “I watched and read his comments with disappointment during his recent interview on some national dailies and his appearance on Arise TV where even non Christians wonder if those we are calling elders are showing the attitude of elders as described in the Holy Bible”.
Quoting the scriptures, Evangelist Musa said, “the Bible defines elders as mature spiritual leaders responsible for shepherding, teaching, and protecting the local church (1Pet. 5:1–4, Acts 20:28).
“The Bible also says they must meet strict character qualifications—being blameless, hospitable, and self-controlled—and are worthy of honor for ruling well (1 Tim. 3:1–7, 5:17)”.
Speaking further, he said, “Your outbursts against our humble leader Rev Joseph Hayab who is known by all to have tirelessly worked to foster peace, promote justice, and advocate for the rights and welfare of Christians in the Northern region is an effort in futility.
“Rev Hayab’s sacrificial leadership has brought to the Church in Northern Nigeria many positive progress in just one year”.
He alleged that Elder Oibe had been using different organisation names and addressing the press in the last five days. An action he described as shameful and a clear indication that he is power drunk.
He said Oibe’s comments came at a time when “we have made a formal request for the return of properties entrusted to your custody.
“These properties are vital to the continued work and mission of our association, and their prompt and unconditional return is not only a matter of legal and ethical obligation but also a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.
“We urge you to retract your statements and offer a public apology to our leaders and the entire Association”, Evangelist Musa maintained.
End.
