The Christian Association of Nigeria on Monday accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria, describing a statement released after a recent meeting with presidential aide, Daniel Bwala, as false, misleading, and insensitive.
CAN said the Presidency’s version of the meeting gave the false impression that the association dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, a position it described as “completely untrue and unfair.”
But reacting to CAN during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Bwala maintained his stance, insisting that there is no Christian genocide under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The presidential aide contended that the report CAN’s claim of genocide was outdated. Following the visit, a statement titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership” circulated online, quoting CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, as allegedly describing the crisis as a “so-called genocide.”
CAN insisted that at no point during the meeting did its President or any member of its delegation downplay the killings or question their genocidal nature.
“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,” Okoh said.
He stressed that CAN’s position on the killings has long been established and remains unchanged, adding that referring to the tragedy as a “so-called genocide” trivialises the pain of thousands who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.