Arewa Clerics Allege Bias As Christian With 83% Score Loses Perm. Sec Slot To 54% Candidate

A coalition of Northern clerics has accused the Federal Government of religious discrimination in the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries, alleging that a Christian candidate who topped the recent selection interview with 83 per cent was bypassed for a Muslim candidate who scored 54 per cent.

The allegation was made by the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) in an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, and leaders of the National Assembly.

The letter dated November 6, 2025, was signed by ACIPA’s Chairman, Rev. (Dr) Luke Shehu.

ACIPA said it was alarmed by what it described as another case of systemic discrimination against Northern Christians in the federal civil service, warning that the decision mocked merit, equity, and the principles of federal character.

Rev. Shehu wrote: “Our attention has been drawn to yet another persecution against a Northern Christian with regards to the right to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary following the recent interview.”

The clerics said the development fits a long-standing pattern of marginalisation against indigenous Christians in the North, despite repeated denials by successive administrations.

The coalition cited what it called glaring evidence from the interview results, alleging that the highest-scoring candidate—described as a Northern Christian from the North-East—was dropped without explanation.

According to ACIPA, the candidate who emerged fifth with 54 per cent, identified as Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, was announced as the Permanent Secretary by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on November 4, 2025.

The group said: “In the usual perpetuation of denial of rights and persecution of Northern Christians and indigenous people, one Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, who scored 54 percent emerging the fifth position, was announced as Permanent Secretary.”

It added that the action reinforces an entrenched system “where Christians, especially indigenous Northern Christians and Hausa Christians in particular, are denied employment, scholarships, and federal appointments.”

The clerics alleged that plans were underway to swear in the candidate despite concerns raised by stakeholders, and urged President Tinubu to halt the process immediately.

“We are aware of the ongoing process to swear in the said Mohammed as the Permanent Secretary instead of the qualified Christian,” ACIPA warned.

Rev. Shehu said the group was not seeking confrontation but fairness, insisting that only transparency in public service recruitment could rebuild public trust.

The association called on religious organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other influential leaders to speak against what it described as entrenched discrimination against Northern Christians.

“ACIPA is calling on all advocates against persecution and travesty to rise to the occasion and call authorities to order. A travesty that has almost become a norm. This is no longer acceptable,” the clerics said.

The group said silence in the face of injustice would deepen distrust and widen religious divisions in the country.

ACIPA confirmed that copies of the petition were circulated widely, including to religious leaders, monarchs, ministers, lawmakers, security agencies, and indigenous organisations. The group urged urgent corrective action to “end the institutionalised discrimination” it says has persisted for years in public service appointments.