- Northern leaders have started coming together to reconcile Christians and Muslims and foster peace in the region
- The group is led by the former spokesperson of the NEF, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and a former NHIS Professor, Yusuf Usman
- This follows US President Donald Trump’s allegation of Christian genocide in Nigeria by some Islamic extremists
The former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Yusuf Usman, have led the northern leaders to the headquarters of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states.
The move was to initiate a new reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in northern Nigeria. This came amid the growing tension and allegations that Christians are being targeted in the northern region of Nigeria. The United States President Donald Trump has raised the allegation against Nigeria and threatened military action.
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Source: Twitter
Hakeem leads Christian, Muslim reconciliation in north
Leading the delegation under the umbrella of the newly created group, Northern Reconciliation Group (NRG), to the office of CAN and JNI on Tuesday, December 16, Hakeem noted that it was time for the two faiths to come together and live in harmony and peace, particularly in the northern region.
According to Hakeem, the group of leaders consisted of Muslims and Christians from the northern regions and shared the same belief that they were created by God as one people, irrespective of their differences.
Daily Trust reported that the former presidential aide decided to work together in the promotion of peace, unity and reconciliation within the region because the north had already paid the price as a result of several crises that the region experienced for decades.
CAN speaks on reconciliation in north
Speaking on the development, the CAN chairman in the 13 northern states, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, said that the group was out to prove to the world that there was a new rising voice in the northern region, despite the fact that there has been fighting and misunderstanding. He added that all issues will be resolved.
In the same vein, the JNI secretary general, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, expressed the confidence that the support of Allah would come to people who have come together to solve a problem together.
Following the allegation by Trump, the federal government has moved to address insecurity in the country, including President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency and a reshuffling of the military architecture. The president also removed the Minister of Defence and announced a new one with a military background.

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Source: Twitter
US lawmakers visit Governor Alia of Benue
Legit.ng earlier reported that Benue governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, played host to some members of the United States Congress who were in the state to assess its security situation.
The governor had announced their visit in a social media post on Saturday, December 7, which had started generating reactions from some Nigerians.
This came as a result of the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria by US President Donald Trump and his threat to launch a military operation in the West African country.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng