The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern states has called on Nigerians to allow peace and love to reign in the country in the face of the recent remark by United States President Donald Trump, to the effect that Christians are facing existential threat in the country.
CAN in the region said the US position on alleged genocide against Christians must not be allowed to divide the country, saying Christians and Muslims must close ranks to find solutions to the concerns raised by the US government.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the Chairman of CAN Rev. John Hayab, while speaking on the issue on Tuesday said the situation calls for retrospection among various religious groups in the country on the need to pursue religious tolerance among themselves.
Last Friday, President Trump designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern” after alleging that many Christians were being killed in the country. The US leader also threatened to use military force against Nigeria to stop the allege genocide against Christians.
The federal government has however denied the genocide allegation while the country has remained polarised amid fear that the US president threat could have serious economic and diplomatic consequence for the country.
Rev. Hayab stressed the US position should serve as wake-up call on the federal government to ensure religious freedom in the country rather than pursuing a needless confrontation with the US government.
“Trump’s statement about Christian genocide in Nigeria should be an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite and demand concrete action by our government to stop the killing of anybody because of religion or any form of identity,” Hayab said.
According to him, a fair reading of Trump’s words reveals concern rather than condemnation, and portrays the voice of an outsider urging Nigerians to uphold peace and unity.
“If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of a visitor who cares about you and wants you to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in your country,” he added.
Hayab cautioned against individuals or groups who might twist the former U.S. leader’s remarks to fuel division among Nigerians.
“We should disregard those who are manipulating and twisting what was said to instigate us against one another to divide us further.
He said if nothing is done, his military will come after the terrorists, not after Nigerians — or are some of us admitting that they are part of the terrorists?” he asked.
The cleric reiterated that what Nigerians desire is freedom for everyone to practice their faith without fear or discrimination.
“What we want is freedom for all to practice our faith, whether we are Christians, Muslims, or free thinkers,” Hayab said.
Meanwhile, a Muslim group MURIC on Monday blamed Christians leaders over the diplomatic row between the US and Nigeria, accusing them of betraying President Tinubu who has done much for Christians since he assumed office in 2023.
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