The Muslim Rights Concern MURIC has criticised the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN over its alleged role in the report that led to the United States listing Nigeria as a country of particular concern.
The group questioned why CAN would take such a step despite what it described as President Bola Tinubu’s favourable treatment of Christians in his administration.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said the redesignation by the U.S. was unnecessary and did not reflect the true situation in Nigeria. He said, “This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria.”
MURIC accused some Christian leaders of providing information that influenced the U.S. decision, rather than promoting unity and fairness. The group described the move as unpatriotic, stating, “Instead of dissipating energy on debating the rationality or otherwise for the redesignation, we will rather turn our attention to the fifth columnists in our midst.”
According to MURIC, President Tinubu has shown goodwill to Christians through appointments and inclusion in government. The statement noted that the President had confirmed that “62 percent of all appointments went to the Christians,” while adding that his administration extended additional support to Christian communities.
The group expressed disappointment that despite the gestures, some Christian leaders still allegedly supported a report that portrayed Nigeria negatively before the U.S. “In spite of all that was done for Nigerian Christians by this administration, they still deemed it fit to take Nigeria to the enabler of Gaza genocide,” it said.
MURIC described the development as unfair and undeserved, saying it amounted to betrayal. The group also suggested that foreign interests may have influenced the U.S. decision, but insisted that local actions contributed to the outcome.