Northern, Hausa Christians Petition Tinubu, Fagbemi Over Alleged Persecution, Denial of Appointments

The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has accused the federal government of systematically marginalizing Northern and Hausa Christians through denial of employment opportunities, scholarships, and appointments despite official denials of religious persecution.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the group alleged that evidence of discrimination continues to emerge, contradicting claims that Christians are not being targeted in the North.

ACIPA cited a recent case involving the selection of Permanent Secretaries, where a Christian candidate from the North East who reportedly scored 83 percent and placed first in the interview process was allegedly bypassed for another candidate who scored 54 percent and ranked fifth. According to the association, the less qualified candidate was announced as Permanent Secretary by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation on November 4, 2025.

Dr. Luke Shehu, ACIPA Chairman, in a statement accompanying the letter, said the group was aware of ongoing plans to swear in the lower-ranked candidate, describing the move as another act of persecution and injustice.

“True to our calling as advocates of peace, unity, social justice and development, we renounce and reject this travesty and persecution,” Shehu stated. “We call on all concerned to correct this abnormality immediately.”

ACIPA urged human rights advocates, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to speak out against what it described as a recurring pattern of injustice against Northern Christians, stressing that such acts have become too frequent and must no longer be tolerated.