A coalition of Northern clerics under the umbrella of the Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has accused the Federal Government of religious bias in the recent appointment of Permanent Secretaries, alleging that a Christian candidate who scored 83 percent in the selection interview was overlooked for a Muslim counterpart who scored 54 percent.
The group made the allegation in an open letter dated November 6, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, and the leadership of the National Assembly. The letter was signed by ACIPA Chairman, Rev. (Dr) Luke Shehu.
ACIPA expressed concern over what it described as another case of “religious persecution” against Northern Christians in the civil service, saying the action undermines merit and fairness in federal appointments.
“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,” Shehu stated.
The group said the situation reflected a broader pattern of marginalisation and discrimination against Northern Christians, despite government denials. It noted that Christians from the region had long faced exclusion from employment opportunities, scholarships, and senior appointments.
Citing the recent Permanent Secretary selection, ACIPA claimed that the candidate who topped the interview list — a Christian from the North East — was unfairly dropped, while Mohammed Musa Isiyaku, who scored 54 percent and ranked fifth, was announced as Permanent Secretary by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on November 4, 2025.
“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,” the group stated.
As of press time, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had not issued a response to the allegation.
