The Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association has accused the Federal Government of sidelining a Christian candidate from the North-East in the appointment of new Federal Permanent Secretaries.
The association, in a statement on Monday signed by its Chairman, Rev. (Dr) Luke Shehu, alleged that the candidate, who emerged first in the interview with 83 per cent, was bypassed for another contender, Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, who reportedly scored 54 per cent and came fifth.
According to ACIPA, the announcement by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on November 4, 2025, naming Isiyaku as a Permanent Secretary, was “an act of persecution and injustice against Northern Christians.”
“Despite repeated denials by government, Northern Christians, especially Hausa Christians, have continued to face discrimination in employment, scholarships and appointments,” the group stated.
ACIPA said the development reflects a recurring pattern of exclusion experienced by Christians in several northern states, including Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto and Kebbi.
The association called for an immediate reversal of the appointment and urged authorities to uphold merit and fairness.
“True to our calling as advocates of peace, unity, and justice, we reject this travesty and call on all relevant authorities to act swiftly to correct this injustice,” Shehu said.
ACIPA added that the marginalisation of qualified Christians in public service “has almost become institutionalised” and warned that the practice was “dangerous to national cohesion and trust.”
“This is no longer acceptable,” the statement added.
