The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has urged Nigerians to look beyond outrage over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statement on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Instead, the association is calling on citizens to use the moment as a rallying point for unity, peace, and national healing.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, the association’s Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said Trump’s comments should not be seen as a trigger for religious tension, but rather as an opportunity for Christians and Muslims to come together and demand government action to end killings motivated by religion or identity.
“This should serve as 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,” Hayab said.
The cleric’s message comes amid heated debate in Nigeria and abroad over Trump’s remarks, which many have interpreted as inflammatory. However, Hayab believes the former U.S. president’s statement was more of a call for concern than condemnation.
“If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of a visitor who cares about you and wants you to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in your country,” he explained.
Hayab warned Nigerians against those trying to twist Trump’s words for political or religious gain.
“We should disregard those who are manipulating and twisting what was said to instigate us against one another to divide us further,” he cautioned.
He also challenged those interpreting Trump’s warning as hostility toward Nigeria to reconsider their stance.
“He said if nothing is done, his military will come after the terrorists, not after Nigerians — or are some of us admitting that they are part of the terrorists?” he asked.
Reiterating the association’s stance, Hayab emphasised that what Nigeria needs most is not outrage but safety, freedom, and unity for all its citizens.
“What we want is freedom for all to practice our faith, whether we are Christians, Muslims, or free thinkers,” he affirmed.
Hayab further called on religious and political leaders to rise above division and show maturity in handling sensitive issues like this. He said Trump’s comment should inspire Nigerians to prove that unity, not division, defines the nation.
“Trump’s comment should challenge us to prove that unity, not division, defines who we are as a nation,” he concluded.
The CAN chairman’s remarks aim to redirect the national conversation from anger toward collective responsibility — reminding Nigerians that the fight against intolerance and violence must be won together.
