CAN Betrayed Tinubu Despite His Favour To Christians — MURIC

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of betraying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by allegedly supporting claims of Christian genocide in the country, despite what it described as the President’s goodwill and generous inclusion of Christians in key federal appointments.

In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said it was unfortunate that CAN had aligned with foreign narratives portraying Nigeria as unsafe for Christians, even after President Tinubu had, according to him, shown unprecedented favour to the Christian community.

Akintola said Tinubu’s administration has been more than fair to Christians, revealing that 62 per cent of federal appointments went to them, while the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had shown remarkable compassion and generosity towards Christian groups.

“CAN’s action is a stab in the back, considering President Tinubu’s preference for Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren. The president himself confirmed that 62 per cent of all appointments went to Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” Akintola stated.

The MURIC leader made the remarks in reaction to the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to return Nigeria to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

Akintola faulted CAN’s alleged role in amplifying false reports of Christian genocide, insisting that both Muslims and Christians have suffered equally from terrorist attacks in the country.

“Instead of debunking the misleading narrative that only Christians are being killed, CAN amplified it. This act is disappointing and unbecoming of a religious body that should promote unity and truth,” he said.

He argued that the U.S. designation was “blurred, misplaced and distorted,” insisting it misrepresented the true situation in Nigeria.

Akintola described CAN’s conduct as “unpatriotic and divisive,” adding that such actions could fuel unnecessary religious tension.

According to him, terrorist groups attack both mosques and churches, targeting innocent Nigerians irrespective of their faith.

“Both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terror attacks. Criminals target places of worship, markets, and public gatherings without discrimination,” he added.

MURIC urged religious leaders to act responsibly and avoid feeding foreign misconceptions about Nigeria’s security and religious balance.