The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of twisting facts and misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians in parts of the country, describing the government’s recent statement as “completely false” and “grossly unfair.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it was “deeply disappointed” by the Presidency’s portrayal of its stance on the persistent violence against Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
The controversy stems from a visit by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday. The meeting, according to CAN, was intended to foster dialogue and clarify its position on recent remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”
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However, the Christian body said it was shocked to learn that the Presidency later issued a statement titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership”, which falsely suggested that Archbishop Okoh had dismissed the killings 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,” the statement read.
“Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivializes the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes and places of worship in targeted attacks,” Archbishop Okoh said, adding that CAN’s position on the killings “has long been established and remains unchanged.”
The statement stressed that Christian communities across several parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks over the years, violence that, according to CAN, amounts to a “continuing pattern” of persecution rather than isolated incidents.
“These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure,” the CAN President said.
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During the meeting with the presidential aide, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, reportedly presented verified data from www.orfa.africa, showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across various African regions, including Nigeria.
Those present at the meeting included Archbishop Daniel Okoh (President), Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President); Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun (General Secretary); Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba (Director of Education, Women and Youth); Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Director of Legal and Public Affairs); Bishop Mike Akpami (Director of Planning, Research and Strategy); Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Director of National Issues and Social Welfare); Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly (Secretary, North Central Zone); and Dr. Victor Ivoke (Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President).
For the record, CAN clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.
The association urged the Federal Government and security agencies to “act with urgency, fairness and transparency” to halt the killings and ensure that all perpetrators face 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 added.
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Reaffirming its dedication to peace and unity, CAN said that its commitment to dialogue should not be mistaken for silence in the face of injustice.
“Our commitment to peace does not mean silence in the face of injustice. Truth must always guide engagement between the Church, the State and the public,” the statement concluded.
