CAN Condemns Islamic Cleric’s Call to Sack Christian Workers, Demands Immediate Investigation
Our Correspondent
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Katsina State Chapter, has condemned in strong terms a viral video by Islamic cleric Sheikh Abdulmudalib Gidado in which he called for the sack of all Christian civil servants and the replacement of Christians in banks and companies with Muslims.
In a press statement issued on Friday, 8th August 2026, CAN Katsina described the comments as “painful, unconstitutional, contrary to authentic Islamic teaching, dangerous to public peace, and a direct threat to the safety and equal citizenship of Christians in Katsina State.”
The cleric, in the video, said if he were Governor, he would sack Christian civil servants, mandate banks and companies to replace employees from levels 1-6 with Muslims, and claimed the 1999 Constitution authorizes such action. He also labelled Northern governors “cowards” for not doing so.
CAN said the cleric’s claim has no basis in law. It cited Sections 10, 15(2), 17(3), 38 and 42 of the Constitution, which prohibit the adoption of a state religion and forbid discrimination on grounds of religion.
“No Governor of Katsina State has constitutional power to sack indigenous Christian civil servants or to compel banks and companies to replace Christian employees with Muslims,” the statement read. “Any such action would be unconstitutional, unjustifiable, and a grave abuse of office.”
CAN noted that non-indigenous Christians were removed from the state civil service long ago, and those remaining are bona fide indigenous citizens with full constitutional rights.
The association said the video comes amid unresolved concerns over the state government’s announced scholarship for indigenes who have memorized the Holy Qur’an to study Medicine and Nursing.
CAN said it had asked the government to base selection on merit, need and indigeneity, not religion.
CAN also linked the rhetoric to rising insecurity. It noted that in the last three days, at least five Christian-dominated communities alongside Muslim communities were attacked in Bakori and Kafur LGAs, with loss of lives, abductions and cattle rustling.
“Energy spent on confessional cleansing would be better directed at ending the growing insecurity,” CAN stated, warning that hate speech marking a faith community for purge heightens the risk of further violence.
Citing Qur’an 5:8, 60:8, 4:58 and 2:256, and teachings of the Prophet, CAN said Islam commands justice toward peaceful non-Muslims and forbids oppression.
“We call on all peace-loving Muslims, NSCIA, JNI, the Katsina State Council of Ulama, and mosque leaders to publicly caution and correct this cleric, so that the image of Islam is not stained by hate dressed as religion,” it said.
CAN called on the Katsina State Government, Attorney-General, Police and Department of State Services to investigate the video for incitement and publish findings.
It also called on the State and Federal Governments to reaffirm that no Nigerian should be removed from employment on account of religion and that the Constitution will be upheld.
The association further called on the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jamaatul Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Ulama to issue clear repudiations of employment discrimination against Christians.
CAN also called on security agencies to assess threats to Christian civil servants, places of worship and communities, and extend equal protection to all citizens affected by banditry in Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Musawa and elsewhere.
While urging Christians to “respond with caution and discipline” and not escalate through reprisal.
It quoted Hebrews 12:14 and Matthew 5:9 on pursuing peace, stating that “Katsina belongs to all who lawfully call it home, Muslim and Christian.
“Silence in the face of organized hate is not neutrality; it is permission. Let this moment be met with law, truth, and courage, so that words of exclusion do not become deeds of blood,” the statement concluded.
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