Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has debunked reports alleging a division within the Association along Northern and Southern lines, as well as the diversion of funds purportedly meant for the relief of persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who described the allegations as entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading, observed that the association remains one united and indivisible body.
Okoh insisted thata CAN has never received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance adding that the narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute.
He said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria has noted with grave concern a series of false, malicious, and deeply defamatory claims circulating in the public space, alleging a division within the Association along Northern and Southern lines, as well as the diversion of funds purportedly meant for the relief of persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.
“We state, in the clearest possible terms: these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance. The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute”.
“CAN remains one united and indivisible body. There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded”.
Okoh stated that CAN will continue to work in unity with Christian leaders across all regions of Nigeria, with a steadfast commitment to peace, accountability, and the welfare of all believers, especially those affected by insecurity.
The CAN President stated that the association is deeply troubled with these baseless claims were publicly propagated by Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry, Ilorin, without evidence and without regard for the potential consequences on national cohesion and the unity of the Church.
Okoh noted with concern, the unwarranted references to respected Christian leaders such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi, in a manner capable of misleading the faithful and inflaming unnecessary tensions.
“Let it be unequivocally stated: CAN will not tolerate the spread of falsehoods or any attempt to malign the Church. Accordingly, we issue a firm and final caution to Rev. Isaac Omolehin and any other individuals or groups who misuse their platforms to disseminate unverified or defamatory claims: desist immediately. Failure to do so will compel the Association to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to protect its integrity and that of the Christian community, he added.
Okoh urged the public, the media, and the international community to disregard these false claims and rely only on verified information from official CAN channels stressing that the association remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, unity, accountability, and service to all Nigerians.
Follow Us on Google News
Follow Us on Google Discover