A planned dialogue between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Presidency has turned into a public dispute, with CAN accusing the federal government of misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the Presidency had portrayed the association’s stance as “completely false” and “grossly unfair.” CAN insists that the targeted attacks on Christians in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt constitute a ‘Christian genocide.’
The disagreement 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 view on remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who labeled the persistent attacks as a ‘Christian genocide.’
CAN emphasized that at no point did Archbishop Okoh dismiss or refer 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 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’ 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 highlighting consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across multiple regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
Those in attendance 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 called on the federal government and security agencies to act urgently, fairly, and transparently to stop the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. The association also urged media and government officials to report responsibly, warning that careless statements can inflame tensions and undermine peace.
Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed 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.