The Northern Nigeria Christian Youth Association (NNCYA) has cautioned Christian leaders against making public remarks that could exacerbate political tensions following private audiences with President Bola Tinubu.

The admonition was contained in a joint statement issued on Monday by the association’s National Secretary, Bason Sunday, and National Publicity Secretary, Pastor Ruth Wada.

The youth group maintained that engagements with the President should strictly serve as platforms for promoting peace, national cohesion, and constructive dialogue, rather than fueling public controversies.

The NNCYA’s reaction follows recent media comments trailing a meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

While affirming their utmost respect for the spiritual fathers—including His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan—the group stressed that public pronouncements after high-level state meetings must be measured and guided by national stability.

According to the association, access to the seat of power is a "sacred trust" meant for confidential counsel, intercession, and diplomatic dialogue, rather than public confrontation.

"As youths living daily with the realities in the 19 Northern states, we believe that when spiritual fathers engage the nation’s leader, the words that follow should strengthen both the Church and the country, not create unnecessary tension," the statement read.

"When a father sits with the President, receives direct responses to concerns, and immediately goes to the media with selective personal commentary, it does not promote peace but risks overheating the polity."

The NNCYA also warned against narratives that depict President Tinubu as indifferent to Nigeria’s pressing security and economic challenges.

The group argued that the Commander-in-Chief acts on exclusive intelligence and security briefings unavailable to the general public. It urged citizens to exercise restraint and avoid premature conclusions regarding ongoing government interventions.

Furthermore, the youth body noted that no single individual or organisation holds a monopoly over the nation’s conscience, reminding the public that governance relies on a wide pool of information from local communities, traditional rulers, the media, and security agencies.

The association concluded by rallying Christian leaders across all denominations to champion national healing and unity, while urging the faithful to pray for those in authority.

It also appealed to Christian youths nationwide to remain calm, steadfast in prayer, and to fiercely resist any attempts to weaponise the church for political division.