Coalition faults Bwala over comment on religious persecution

A coalition of Christian youth organisations has expressed concern over comments made by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, following his meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja. The coalition — comprising the Odua Youths Democrats Congress, Middle Belt Youths Vanguard & Progressive Congress, […]

A coalition of Christian youth organisations has expressed concern over comments made by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, following his meeting with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja.

The coalition — comprising the Odua Youths Democrats Congress, Middle Belt Youths Vanguard & Progressive Congress, Concerned Christian Youths Forum, and the South East Congress for National Development — said Bwala’s recent statement did not reflect the position of CAN on issues relating to the safety and welfare of Christian communities in the country.

Bwala, after his visit to CAN’s national secretariat on Monday, was quoted as saying that Western media and some United States lawmakers were “painting an inaccurate picture” of the situation in Nigeria, insisting that the nation’s security challenges were not religious in nature.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, leaders of the coalition, including Chima Chukwu, Richard Light, Paul James, Innocent Bawa, and Enoch Kela, said their position was to clarify what they described as “a misrepresentation of facts concerning the security situation in parts of the country.”

The Convener of the Concerned Christian Youths Forum, James Paul Adama, said the coalition’s concern was to ensure that the realities faced by affected communities were not overlooked.

According to him, many Christian communities across states such as Benue and Plateau have faced repeated attacks over the years, leading to loss of lives and displacement.

He said, “Our appeal is for all stakeholders, including government officials and faith-based organisations, to present facts accurately and work collectively toward addressing insecurity.”

The coalition called on political and religious leaders to prioritise peacebuilding and national unity, stressing the need for empathy and honesty in public communication.

“We commend the security agencies for their continued efforts to combat terrorism and violent attacks,” Adama added. “But as a nation, we must continue to seek truth and justice as the foundation for lasting peace.”