The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN, has urged the Federal Government to see the threat by United States President Donald Trump to attack terrorists hideouts in Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide as opportunity to act and stop the ongoing killings by terrorist rather than engage in blame games.
According to Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans, President and Secretary of the Council respectively, on Thursday, the recent pronouncement by the Government of the United States designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on account of gross Human Rights Violations and reports of Christian genocide within our country is deeply worrisome.
“The anticipated intervention by the American Government should not be misconstrued as invasion of a Sovereign state but should be seen as answered prayer by every people of conscience and a welcome development to assist Nigeria deal with the intractable problem of insecurity which has devastated our dear country for nearly two decades now,” they said, adding that, ” this is not the time for debate on whether there is Christian genocide in Nigeria or not. Rather it is a time to shun political considerations, ethnic affiliations and religious inclinations, and join hands and purpose to deal with this challenge once and for all.”
Arguing that instead of reading undue meanings into Trump’s threat/challenge and spinning baseless conspiracy theories that only divert attention from the issue at stake, they said that “our leaders should be allowed to think straight on how to collaborate with the United States of America to take out these enemies of humankind whether Nigerians or foreigners.”
“As a faith based organization committed to justice, peace, and unity, the Christian Council of Nigeria views the apparent lack of the political will to stop the slaughter of Nigerians in their own land as a grave reflection of our nation’s deteriorating moral, security, and governance conditions. The spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and religious intolerance across the country is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Every life lost diminishes our humanity and offends the image of God in human beings. While we acknowledge that insecurity did not begin today, we affirm that the sacred duty of any government is to protect life and property.
“As the body of Christ, we reject violence, oppression, and hatred in any form. We call upon all Christians and Nigerians of goodwill to pray fervently for Nigeria that righteousness may once again exalt our dear nation (Proverbs 14:34). We should remember that peace is not the absence of war but the presence of justice. In this critical moment, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) reaffirms its commitment to work with government, civil society, and international partners for a just, peaceful, and united Nigeria where the dignity of every person is protected under God.
“History will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the killings that has plagued this country for many years now. Every right thinking Nigerian and all people of good will should uphold our President in prayer for the wisdom and courage to act now.”
