Claims of an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria are unfounded, according to the government.
Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication, reaffirmed the government’s position on the “Christian genocide” debate in a new post on Wednesday.
He made this declaration in response to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) accusation that the Presidency had erroneously given the body a claim following a Monday discussion with Bwala on the matter.
Recall that on Tuesday, CAN’s president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued a statement accusing the presidency of distorting its stance on the claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
The Christian organization acknowledged that it had met with Tinubu’s aide, but also condemned the encounter, calling it “so-called,” according to Bwala’s statement.
According to CAN, there have been instances of targeted Christian murders in the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria.
The government’s stance on the issue, according to Bwala, has not changed, and semantics shouldn’t be let to lead to misunderstandings.
According to him, the government never aimed to change CAN’s stance or win its support; instead, the purpose of the meeting was to have a conversation and make significant progress.
Tinubu is committed to resolving all outstanding concerns and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, the presidential aide reassured.
After the government met with the leadership of Nigerian Christians, I got the chance to explain the government’s stance last night on Arise TV. To be clear, technicalities shouldn’t obscure the significant advancements that came from that debate. Instead of dividing, it was a time for discussion.
“We continue to maintain that there is no Christian genocide occurring in Nigeria. We have never tried to change CAN’s stance or win their support since we respect their independence. To address the security issues facing our country, we want all parties involved to work together and make a common effort.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not wavered in his resolve to tackle these problems from the ground up, not merely the surface. On Wednesday, Bwala posted on his 𝕏 account, “His government is committed to creating a Nigeria where all citizens, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity, can live in safety, dignity, and peace.”
