The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has clarified its recent meeting with Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala.
The meeting took place at the CAN Secretariat, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
During the visit, Bwala sought to understand CAN’s position regarding the global reactions to remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide’.
According to CAN, Bwala had noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity, adding that the current administration inherited the problem and is working to address it.
CAN said it made it clear to Bwala that its position on the issue has long been established and remains unchanged
It added that across many parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed and families displaced.
CAN said it maintained that the attacks and killings are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure.
However, CAN said it was alarmed to see a press statement reportedly issued by Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’.
It said that the report falsely suggested that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing killings by describing them as a “so-called Christian genocide”.
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view,” a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,
President of CAN, said.
“Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.”
CAN further explained that during the meeting, its Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
It said the meeting was attended by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Ozumba, Emmanuel Nicodemus, Director of Education, Women & Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal & Public Affairs; Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research & Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President. For the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.
The apex Christian body called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt the killings and bring all perpetrators to justice.
It also urged media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.
