CCN calls on President Tinubu to act decisively to end killings, welcomes U.S. designation of Nigeria as CPC

Stanley Ihedigbo

Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has expressed deep concern over the recent designation of Nigeria by the Government of the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to reports of gross human rights violations and alleged Christian persecution within the country.

In a statement jointly signed by the President, Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, and the General Secretary, the CCN, Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara described the U.S. government’s move as “an answered prayer by every person of conscience” and a potential turning point in the fight against insecurity and senseless killings that have plagued Nigeria for nearly two decades.

“The anticipated intervention by the American Government should not be misconstrued as an invasion of a sovereign state,” the statement read.

“Rather, it should be seen as a welcome development to assist Nigeria in dealing with the intractable problem of insecurity that has devastated our dear nation.”

The Council urged Nigerian leaders and citizens alike to rise above political divisions, ethnic loyalties, and religious sentiments, and to unite in addressing the root causes of insecurity and violence.

“This is not the time to debate whether there is Christian genocide in Nigeria or not,” the CCN cautioned.

“Instead of reading undue meanings into recent pronouncements or spinning baseless conspiracy theories, our leaders should focus on collaborating with the United States and other international partners to defeat these enemies of humankind—whether they are Nigerians or foreigners.”

As a faith-based organization committed to justice, peace, and unity, the Christian Council of Nigeria lamented the government’s apparent lack of political will to decisively end the killings, kidnappings, and acts of terrorism across the country.

“The spate of killings, banditry, and intolerance is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Every life lost diminishes our humanity and offends the image of God in human beings,” the statement declared. “While insecurity did not start today, the sacred duty of any government remains the protection of life and property.”

The Council reaffirmed its rejection of violence, oppression, and hatred in any form, calling on all Christians and Nigerians of goodwill to pray fervently for peace, righteousness, and justice to reign once again in the nation, citing Proverbs 14:34 — “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

The CCN also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seize this historic moment to end the cycle of killings and insecurity in Nigeria, assuring him of the prayers and support of all well-meaning Nigerians.

“History will be kind to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if he seizes this opportunity to end the killings that have plagued our country for so many years,” the statement concluded.

“Every right-thinking Nigerian and all people of goodwill should uphold our President in prayer for the wisdom and courage to act now.”