The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied any form of division within it as being alleged in some quarters. The body also denied receiving some foreign funds meant to be distributed to victims of insurgency in the country.. it threatened it would take legal action against Rev Isaac Omelehin whom it alleged has been making such claims
In a statement signed by the President of the association, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body noted with grave concern a series of false, malicious, and deeply defamatory claims circulating in the public space, alleging a division within the Association along Northern and Southern lines, as well as the diversion of funds purportedly meant for the relief of persecuted Christians in Northern Nigeria.
A video of Rev Isaac Omolehin.among many others are being circulated making these claims.
But CAN insists that these allegations are entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.. “For the avoidance of doubt, CAN has neither received nor managed any such relief funds as alleged, and no funds have been diverted under any circumstance.
“The narrative being promoted is a fabrication, calculated to misinform the public, erode trust, and bring the Church into disrepute.’
CAN states that it remains one united and indivisible body. “There is no split, no secession, and no division within our structure. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and should be disregarded.
“CAN continues to work in unity with Christian leaders across all regions of Nigeria, with a steadfast commitment to peace, accountability, and the welfare of all believers, especially those affected by insecurity.”
While expressing worries about the claims propagated by Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry, Ilorin, without any verifiable evidence, CAN stated, “We also note, with concern, the unwarranted references to respected Christian leaders; Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi, in a manner capable of misleading the faithful and inflaming unnecessary tensions.”
CAN according to the statement said it will not tolerate the spread of falsehoods or any attempt to malign the Church.
It then warned Rev. Isaac Omolehin and any other individuals or groups who misuse their platforms to disseminate unverified or defamatory claims: to desist immediately. “Failure to do so will compel the Association to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to protect its integrity and that of the Christian community.”
It urged the public, the media, and the international community to disregard these false claims and rely only on verified information from official CAN channel.
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