The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of betraying President Bola Tinubu by supporting what it described as “false genocide allegations” leading to Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said in a statement that CAN “amplified misleading petitions” claiming systematic killings of Christians in Nigeria. He described the move as “the mother of all betrayals,” given Tinubu’s record of inclusiveness in federal appointments.
“The president confirmed that 62% of his appointments went to Christians,” Akintola noted, accusing some clerics of damaging Nigeria’s image abroad.
He urged religious leaders to promote unity rather than division, warning that such actions could deepen mistrust.
“This redesignation is misplaced and distorted. Nigerians of all faiths have lived together peacefully for decades,” MURIC said, adding that the U.S. had been misled by domestic actors with political motives.
