A planned dialogue between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Presidency has escalated into a public dispute, with CAN condemning the federal government for what it described as a “completely false” and “grossly unfair” representation of its stance on the k!llings of Christians in Nigeria
In a statement signed Tuesday by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on the ongoing violence targeting Christians in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, which CAN maintains amounts to a ‘Christian genocide’.
The controversy followed a visit by Barr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Monday. Bwala reportedly sought to clarify CAN’s position on remarks made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who described the persistent k!llings as a ‘Christian genocide’.
CAN stressed that at no point did Archbishop Okoh dismiss or refer to the k!llings as a “so-called Christian genocide,” contrary to a press release attributed to Bwala titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.”
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” Okoh said. “The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no time did I use such words. 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.”
During the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
Those present at the dialogue included Archbishop Okoh, Vice President Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, General Secretary Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, and other senior CAN officials. CAN clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, mentioned in some media reports, were not in attendance.
CAN called on the federal government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. The association also urged media professionals and officials to communicate responsibly, warning that careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.
Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to peace, emphasizing that it does not equate to silence in the face of injustice and that truth must guide engagements between the Church, the State, and the public.
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