The Secretary General of the Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Rev. Simon Dolly, has pledged the assembly’s commitment to promoting peace and unity among Christians in the North.
Dolly said this during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration and investiture of NOCRELA in Abuja.
The event has the theme: The Role of Christian Leaders in Nation Building.
Dolly, while also highlighting the challenges faced by the community, revealed that the leadership crisis in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North-Central Zone led to the formation of the assembly.
He noted that the North faces unique challenges, particularly for Christians, and that the assembly aims to address these issues.
“The controversy surrounding Northern CAN stems from a leadership crisis. Rev. Yakubu Pam’s leadership exceeded its tenure, lasting over nine years despite being voted for only two terms of a three-year tenure.
“When his tenure ended, he refused to step down or hold elections. In response, state chairpersons and zones elected Rev. John Hayab as the new chairman for the 19 northern states, but Hayab deviated from CAN’s main objective and purpose.
“This led to the formation of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly, comprising indigenous chairmen from each of the 19 northern states, who aim to promote the interests of Christians in the North and address the region’s peculiar challenges,” he said.
Dolly, also the Secretary, CAN North-Central Zone, further explained the importance of having indigenous leaders in the organisation, citing their understanding of the region’s peculiarities and their ability to promote peace and unity.
“We want to stay together to make sure the North is at peace. It’s enough with all these killings. It’s enough for religious violence in the North.
“This organisation is not a money-making organisation. It’s our duty to serve the cause of Christians in the North.
According to him, with its indigenous leadership and focus on addressing the region’s peculiar challenges, the assembly is well-positioned to make a positive impact.
“We know our problems. If a visitor comes to a state and you give him the CAN chairman or a chairperson of this group, he may not stand firm to defend the interests of the people.
“God knows how he brought us together, both Christians and Muslims. That is why we brought the indigenous people, because they know that they have families that are Muslims and other religions. So can you fight your brother?”
