The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted reports suggesting that the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited as “Royal Father of the Day” for the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of an Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
In a statement signed on Saturday by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the claim as false, clarifying that it neither issued nor authorised any such invitation.
The association explained that the document fueling the controversy originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), not CAN, stressing that its name was wrongly linked to the purported invitation.
Raising concern over the implications of the narrative, CAN warned that the misinformation appeared calculated to stir religious tension and mislead the public, noting that such actions undermine efforts toward national cohesion.
It reiterated its commitment to upholding Christian values while fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.
The body also called on journalists, commentators and the wider public to exercise due diligence by verifying information before sharing, especially on sensitive national issues.
CAN urged Nigerians to disregard the report in its entirety, describing it as the handiwork of individuals intent on creating unnecessary controversy.
