A planned meeting between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Presidency has sparked controversy, with CAN accusing the federal government of misrepresenting its stance on the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria. In a statement on Tuesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described the government’s portrayal as “completely false” and “grossly unfair.” The association maintained that the attacks in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt constitute a ‘Christian genocide.’ The dispute followed a visit by Barr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to CAN’s Secretariat at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Monday. Bwala reportedly sought clarification on CAN’s response to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who referred to the attacks as a ‘Christian genocide.’ CAN insisted that Archbishop Okoh never referred to the killings 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 false and deeply unfair,” Okoh said. “The meeting was recorded, and at no point did I use such words. Calling these attacks a ‘so-called genocide’ trivializes the suffering of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship.” During the dialogue, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, presented verified data showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria and other African regions. Attendees 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 reports, were not present. CAN urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly, fairly, and transparently to stop the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. The association also called on media and government officials to communicate responsibly, warning that careless statements can escalate tensions and undermine peace. Archbishop Okoh reiterated CAN’s commitment to peace, stressing that advocating for justice does not contradict promoting harmony and that truth must guide all engagements between the Church, the State, and the public.
