The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern States and the FCT, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has called for mandatory psychological evaluation for Nigerians aspiring to hold elective political positions, citing emotional and mental instability as a key contributor to leadership failures across the country.
Rev. Hayab, who also chairs the National Patrons Forum of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN), made this bold call on Saturday during the Royal Ambassadors Men’s Missionary Union Summit held in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
In his keynote address titled “Overcoming Evil Vices: A Guide for the Young Child,” delivered under the summit theme “Higher Ground,” the cleric decried what he described as the erratic conduct of some political leaders, suggesting such behavior may be rooted in underlying psychological issues.
“When you hear the way some of our leaders talk, you begin to question their mental fitness. Governance is too sensitive to be handed over to individuals who lack empathy, emotional control, or sound judgment,” Hayab said.
He emphasized the importance of psychological readiness in leadership, comparing it to the psychological tests sometimes recommended before marriage.
“Just like we recommend psychological evaluations before marriage, we should apply the same principle to public service, where the actions of one individual can affect millions,” he added.
Hayab further stressed that untreated mental health challenges, when present in leadership circles, can endanger national stability just as they can destroy families.
The CAN leader also took the opportunity to address pressing issues among Nigerian youths, warning against drug abuse, cybercrime, and violence. He described such vices as deceptive and destructive, cautioning that they erode the potential for a fulfilling life.
“Drugs deceive and destroy. ‘Yahoo’ is not a career path. If you want to rise to higher ground, you must embrace discipline, hard work, and faith in God,” he advised.
Hayab called on girls to prioritize education over early marriage and urged boys to respect and uphold the dignity of women. He noted that education empowers individuals not only to secure jobs but to solve real-life problems and build meaningful lives.
Encouraging the youth to seek mentorship and surround themselves with people of integrity, Hayab urged them to embrace values that promote personal growth and godliness.
Earlier, the Director of the Royal Ambassadors, Sabon Tasha Chapter, Mr. Pleni Thomas Magaji, praised Rev. Hayab’s message as both courageous and timely, describing the summit as a platform to nurture young Christians with biblical principles and ethical leadership for national transformation.
According to Hobnob News, the summit drew participants from various denominations and backgrounds committed to grooming the next generation of responsible leaders.
