NORTHERN CAN SAYS TRUMP’S STATEMENT IS A CALL FOR PEACE AND UNITY IN NIGERIA

Read Time:2 Minute, 1 Second

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has encouraged peace-oriented Christians and Muslims to interpret U. S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding purported Christian genocide in Nigeria as a prompt for unity and collective action.

The Chairman of the association, Rev. John Hayab, informed NAN on Tuesday that instead of perceiving Trump’s comments as polarizing, Nigerians should regard them as a chance to collaborate in order to halt the violence and religious intolerance throughout the nation.

Trump had, in a recent declaration, claimed that Christians in Nigeria were subjected to persecution and called for international awareness of the issue.

His statements have since initiated public discourse both domestically and internationally.

The CAN chairman thus stated that the declaration should act as a wake-up call for both faith communities to demand tangible measures from the government to guarantee the safety and freedom of all citizens, regardless of religion or identity.

“Trump’s remarks about Christian genocide in Nigeria should provide an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite and advocate for concrete action from our government to put an end to the killing of anyone based on religion or any form of identity,” Hayab stated.

He asserted that a fair interpretation of Trump’s words indicates concern rather than reproach, conveying the perspective of an outsider urging Nigerians to foster peace and unity.

“If one approaches President Trump’s statement with an open perspective, one will discern the voice of a visitor who genuinely cares about you and desires for you to take serious steps towards achieving peace and unity in your nation,” he added.

Hayab warned against individuals or groups that may distort the former U. S. leader’s comments to incite division among Nigerians.

“We should dismiss those who are manipulating and misrepresenting what was expressed to provoke animosity among us and create further division.

He noted that if no actions are taken, his military will pursue the terrorists, not Nigerians—are some of us implying that they are aligned with the terrorists? ” he questioned.

The cleric reaffirmed that what Nigerians seek is the freedom for all to practice their faith without fear or discrimination.

“What we desire is freedom for everyone to practice our beliefs, whether we are Christians, Muslims, or secular thinkers,” he expressed.

Hayab urged religious leaders, governmental authorities, and citizens to prioritize peacebuilding and authentic national reconciliation.

NAN