The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly dismissed a recent statement by former governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed that Christians make up less than one-quarter of the state’s population.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s state chairman, Rev Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, said the figures cited by the former governor during a television interview were misleading and contradicted verified data from the National Population Commission.
Rev Bawa criticised the former governor’s remarks, which were made during his appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired by Channels Television. He said El-Rufai’s claims amounted to deliberate falsehoods aimed at undermining the Christian community in the state.
“As the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State Chapter, I am outraged by Mr El-Rufai’s claims, which are not only a gross misrepresentation of facts but also a manifestation of deep-seated animosity towards the Christian community in Kaduna State,” the statement read.
The CAN chairman also took issue with El-Rufai’s allegation that Christian leaders in Kaduna were offered $20,000 to fund medical trips abroad. He described the claim as baseless and damaging.
According to him, “The former governor’s assertion is a fabrication designed to malign and discredit the Christian community.”
Rev Bawa stressed that such remarks amounted to an attack on the dignity of Christians in the state and failed to recognise their role in Kaduna’s development.
“We take umbrage with Mr. El-Rufai’s disparaging remarks, which insult the dignity and integrity of the Christian community in Kaduna State. His comments betray a lack of respect and understanding for the significant contributions Christians have made to the state’s development,” he said.
CAN, he added, is demanding an unreserved apology from the former governor. The association also expects him to withdraw the statements and show commitment to fostering interfaith peace and mutual respect.
“The Christian community in Kaduna State demands an unequivocal apology from Mr El-Rufai for his malicious statements. We expect him to retract his claims and demonstrate a commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and understanding in Kaduna State,” the statement concluded.