CAN Accuses Presidency of Lying Over ‘Christian Genocide’ Claims

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on reports of alleged Christian genocide in the country following a meeting with the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala.

OTN News further reports as gathered that in a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian body faulted the Presidency for falsely claiming that CAN dismissed allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

CAN confirmed that Bwala visited its Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday to discuss remarks made by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who had described the persistent killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”

According to Okoh, while the association engaged in discussions with the presidential aide, it never downplayed or dismissed the killings, insisting that Christians in several parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt face ongoing persecution and violence.

“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,” Okoh said.

OTN News observes that he described the Presidency’s account of the meeting published under the title ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’, as “false and unfair”.

“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. 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,” he added.

OTN News further observes that during the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, reportedly presented verified data from the website [www.orfa.africa](http://www.orfa.africa), which documented consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.

The association also clarified that contrary to some reports circulating on social media, its Assistant General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa were not in attendance.

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 (Esq), 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.

CAN appealed to the Federal Government to act decisively to end the killings and ensure justice for victims.

“We call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt these killings 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.