Presidency, CAN Unite to Counter ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative
*CAN Commends Tinubu’s Commitment to Dialogue, Pledges Continued Partnership for Peace*
The Presidency has dismissed claims circulating in some Western media outlets describing the security crisis in parts of Nigeria as a “Christian genocide,” saying such reports misrepresent the nation’s complex security realities.
The clarification came during a high-level meeting between the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Dr. Daniel Bwala, and the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), held on Monday at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The engagement formed part of the Presidency’s ongoing consultations with faith-based organisations to foster mutual understanding, strengthen national unity, and address concerns about religious harmony and security challenges across the country.
Dr. Bwala, who conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Christian community, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“President Tinubu holds the Christian community in high esteem and recognizes the invaluable role the Church plays in building peace and social cohesion.
The government is not involved, either passively or actively, in the insecurity issues confronting some parts of the country. These challenges have evolved beyond religion, with root causes tied to climate change, extremist ideologies, and economic pressures.
Certain Western media reports and comments from some U.S. congressmen have painted an inaccurate picture of the situation in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide.’ Such narratives are misleading. Independent reports from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), Transparency International, and Human Rights Watch confirm that while the insurgency began with religious undertones, it has long mutated into a broader security and economic crisis.
The killings in Plateau and Benue are tragic, but so, too, are those in Zamfara and Katsina. Insecurity is a national challenge, not a sectarian one.
We are servants to the public servant the President. Your feedback helps shape our approach to inclusive governance and strengthens our collective resolve to secure and unite Nigeria,” said Dr. Bwala.
Leading the CAN delegation, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for initiating direct dialogue with the Christian leadership
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for engaging the Christian community on issues of national concern, particularly the so-called ‘Christian genocide’ narrative. As we made clear in our previous statement, CAN has not changed its position. We are a responsible organisation and remain open to collaboration with Government on governance and security reforms that will bring peace and stability to our nation.
We continue to pray for peace and tranquility to reign in Nigeria so our people can move about freely and live without fear. Once again, we thank Mr. President for reaching out, and we also appreciate the support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,” Rev. Okoh said.
He further invited Dr. Bwala to address CAN’s next national assembly, noting that open communication between government and faith-based groups strengthens public trust.
The meeting was attended by several senior CAN officials, including Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle Prof. Samson A. Fatokun (General Secretary), Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams (Assistant General Secretary), Dr. Celestine Chiedo Aharanwa, FCA (Treasurer), Barr. Comfort Chigbue (Legal & Public Affairs), Rev. Dr. Ozumba Nicodemus (Education, Youth & Women Development), Bishop Dr. Mike Akpami (Planning, Research & Strategy), and Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, FDC, FNIM (National Issues & Social Welfare).
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, justice, and the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
