Northern CAN: Trump’s Comment Should Inspire Peace, Not Division
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has urged both Christians and Muslims to treat former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria as a call for unity and peace, not division.
Rev. John Hayab, Chairman of Northern CAN, made this known on Tuesday while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said Nigerians should see Trump’s concern as a reminder to work together and end killings, intolerance, and discrimination across the country.
Trump had recently claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing persecution and called for global attention to the situation a remark that has stirred heated debate nationwide.
Reacting, Hayab said the former U.S. leader’s words should motivate Nigerians to demand more action from the government to protect lives and ensure religious freedom for everyone, regardless of faith or identity.
“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,” he stated.
He added that Trump’s tone was not one of condemnation, but of concern, urging Nigerians to embrace peace and national reconciliation.
“If you read Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will hear the voice of someone urging us to take responsibility and work together for unity and peace,” Hayab said.
The cleric cautioned against those twisting Trump’s message to incite hatred, saying such manipulation only deepens Nigeria’s divisions.
“We must ignore people misinterpreting his words to turn us against one another. Trump was clear that his warning was aimed at terrorists, not ordinary Nigerians,” he added.
Hayab reaffirmed that Nigerians deserve the freedom to practice their faith without fear.
“What we want is freedom for all whether Christians, Muslims, or free thinkers,” he said, calling on religious leaders and authorities to prioritize dialogue and national harmony.
