The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has urged Nigerians to avoid misinterpreting former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, the association’s Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said Trump’s remarks should be seen as a wake-up call for collective national action against terrorism and religious intolerance — not as a message intended to divide Nigerians along faith lines.
“If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will hear the voice of a visitor who cares about us and wants us to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in our country,” Hayab stated.
He cautioned against individuals and groups seeking to exploit Trump’s words for political or sectarian purposes, emphasizing that such manipulation only deepens national divisions.
“We should disregard those who are twisting what was said to instigate us against one another,” he added.
According to Hayab, the focus should not be on the rhetoric itself but on Nigeria’s responsibility to protect its citizens, regardless of religion or identity. He questioned the motives of those interpreting Trump’s statement as an attack on Nigerians rather than on terrorists.
“He said if nothing is done, his military will come after the terrorists — not after Nigerians. Or are some people admitting that they are part of the terrorists?” he asked pointedly.
The cleric reiterated that the nation’s priority must be the protection of life, liberty, and freedom of belief for all citizens.
“What we want is freedom for everyone to practice their faith, whether Christian, Muslim, or free thinker,” he said.
Hayab concluded by urging both religious and political leaders to demonstrate maturity and responsibility in their responses, describing the controversy as an opportunity to rebuild trust and promote unity.
“Trump’s comment should challenge us to prove that unity, not division, defines who we are as a nation,” he said.
