The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has accused the Presidency of twisting facts regarding the k!llings of Christians across the country. The religious body also insisted that what was happening in several parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt is tantamount to a Christian gen0cide. In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the apex Christian body clarified that it did not, at any point, dismiss the widespread k!llings by calling it a so-called Christian genocide, as claimed in a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication. According to the statement, the controversy followed Bwalas visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, Oct. 20, during which he sought to understand CANs position on remarks made by United States senator, Ted Cruz, who described the persistent k!llings of Christians in Nigeria as a Christian gen0cide. CAN made it clear that its position on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged. 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. These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure, the CAN President said. CAN expressed alarm over the Presidencys subsequent statement, titled Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership. The Christian body said the report falsely suggested that Archbishop Okoh had downplayed the k!llings by describing them as a "so-called Christian gen0cide". That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. The meeting was recorded by CANs media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. 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, Archbishop Okoh said. The Christian body added that during the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, its Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria. We call on the federal government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt these k!llings and bring all perpetrators to justice. We also urge media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace, Archbishop Okoh said. CAN reiterated that its commitment to peace didnt mean silence in the face of injustice, adding that truth must always guide engagement among the Church, the State and the public. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has urged the international community not to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue.
0 Comments