…Warns Against ‘Mischief’
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed claims that Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited as “Royal Father of the Day” for the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of an Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Describing the report as false and provocative. CAN, in a statement issued by its media unit on Saturday in Abuja, said it “did not, at any point,” extend such an invitation to the Sultan, insisting that the narrative being circulated was misleading and capable of inflaming religious sensitivities.
The statement partly read: “We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN. This claim is false.”
CAN clarified that the material fueling the controversy did not originate from it but from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“For the record, the material in question was made public by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and not from CAN. At no point did CAN release any such invitation.”
The Christian body further alleged that the claim appeared to be deliberately framed to stir tension and create unnecessary controversy, warning that such actions were dangerous, especially in a religiously sensitive country like Nigeria.
“Beyond its inaccuracy, the narrative appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists. At a time when national unity requires careful stewardship, such distortions are reckless and unacceptable.”
Reaffirming its stance on interfaith harmony, CAN said it remained committed to both protecting Christian values and promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, stressing that the two objectives were not mutually exclusive.
“CAN remains unwavering in its dual commitment: to uphold the integrity of Christian faith and worship, and to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians. These are not competing values; they are complementary responsibilities.”
The association, however, cautioned against the spread of misinformation, urging the media and the public to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism.
“Truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism. The suggestion that the Sultan was assigned any role in the ceremonial proceedings is entirely unfounded and should be dismissed in its entirety.”
Calling for restraint, CAN urged stakeholders to verify information before dissemination to avoid escalating tensions.
“We therefore call on the media, opinion leaders, and the general public to act with responsibility: verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality.
“Let it be clearly and finally stated: the Sultan of Sokoto was not invited. The story in circulation is the handiwork of mischief makers and should be disregarded.”
