Former CAN Chairman, Rev. Shuaibu Byal buried in Bauchi

File photo of Late Rev. Dr. Shuaibu Bya

ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi-

The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Northeast, Rev. Dr. Shuaibu Byal, was on Monday buried with thousands of sympathizers in attendance.

NATIONAL ACCORD had reported that Byal, a former North-East Zonal CAN Chairman was, until his death the Rector, ECWA Theological College, Bayara, Bauchi state, died at the age of 63 after he slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

Our Correspondent who attended the funeral service of the deceased, at the ECWA Church Rafin Zurfi, Bauchi, observed that the Church auditorium was filled to capacity, while several hundreds of people gathered outside.

File photo showing some of the sympathizers inside the Church while several hundreds were outside

Speaking at the funeral service on Monday, the former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yorio, charged leaders in all spheres of authority to be fair and just to all people irrespective of religion or tribe, reminding them them that they would one day face judgement before God.

“Rev. Byal has finished his course and I want to charge all of us that are still living, particularly, those of us in politics and those currently in government. You see what is happening here in the North? Are you a traditional ruler, a Commissioner or governor? let’s be fair to all”.

“Injustice is so prevalent in government circles now. Today, if you are seeking for a job, they’ll have to check to see what kind of name you bear. Today, if you are seek for a contract, they’ll check who you are”.

“Today, even if you want to gain access into a place, they’ll have to check to know who you really are. Let’s be very careful. We that God has given mantle of leadership, let’s be very careful because whatever a man sows, that he shall reap”.

“I am happy that the Lawmaker (Musa Nakwada), spoke about the justice the Bauchi State Governor does to the Christians and the Church in the state, we are grateful to him, he should do more”.

“Other governors, if you think that God gave you that opportunity to be where you are today in order to oppress the masses and favour just a few people over others, just wait, the day of judgement is coming. Is it not money, wealth, power and amassing properties for yourselves? Continue doing that, when many are dying because of hunger and starvation, unemployment and many others, you’ll all reap what you’re sowing and you’ll stand before God to give account to him,” he admonished.

Mr. Yorio, who urged the family to be thankful to God because the Bible says that God is the husband to the widow and the father to the fatherless, assured them that God would care for them more than when their father did when he was alive.

He advised them to “stick to God. My father died when I was just an infant and I can assure you that if you hold on to God, you will never be put to shame. Don’t cry, God has a purpose for taking him.”

The Member of Bogoro Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Nakwada, who led the State Government’s delegation, described the deceased as someone who was part of the struggle that brought the present administration in the state into power.

Nakwada who said that the governor expressed great shock when he broke the news of the death to him said: “When I heard the news of his death, we mobilized ourselves and went to the Government House to inform the governor.

“The moment I told the governor, immediately, he stood up from his chair because he was shocked and confused. He said, ‘what?! Nakwada!’ and I told him that Rev. Byal is dead. He ordered everyone in the room to keep quiet because ‘Nakwada has told me that Rev. Byal is dead.’ That was his reaction”.

“He asked us to come the next day so that together we will go and console his family. He then told us that recently, Rev. Byal did a write-up which was brought to him, it was about the school (ECWA Theological Institute) that some Missionaries are coming concerning an issue they have and requested the governor to meet with them”.

“Already, that request has been approved by the governor as I speak with you. If we are talking about this current government, the role Rev. Byal played cannot be overemphasized.”

According to the Lawmaker, the deceased gathered all the Christians appointees under the governor Mohammed led administration and prayed for them and also advised them so that they can succeed.

He expressed gratitude to the Bauchi State governor for giving Christians many appointments in his administration saying that they have not been such opportunities before in the state except now.

Some of the guests at the funeral service included: the Bauchi State government delegation comprising of the Special Adviser, Civil Service Affairs, Abdon Gin, Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Gidauna Tula, Chairperson BASOVCA, Hassana Arkila, former deputy Governor, Gombe State, John Yorio.

Others are: The Chairman, CAN, Bauchi State, Rev. Abraham Damina, Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Nanman Dachelem; Chairman, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Elder Simon Balewa; Senior Special Assistant to the Bauchi Governor on Christian Matters, Rev. Zakka Yashi, among others.

He left behind to mourn him, a wife, Hauwa Byal, five children and many relations.

Byal’s remains weas later conveyed to the Christian Cemetery in Yelwa, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis where it was laid to rest.

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