By Muhammad Sani Muazu
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State Chapter, has strongly condemned what it described as “malicious and defamatory” allegations made by one Dan Bello against the association’s leadership and its chairman.
In a statement signed by Rev. Mathew Wakili Laslimbo, Secretary of CAN Bauchi, the association categorically denied all claims made by Bello, labeling them as false, reckless, and motivated by personal vendetta. The statement asserted that Bello’s allegations were “devoid of evidence and rooted in mischief and spite.”
“Dan Bello has offered not a single shred of credible evidence to support his wild claims. His comments are pure fiction, clearly designed to malign the reputation of our chairman and mislead the public,” the statement read.
CAN further revealed that contrary to Bello’s accusations, the Chairman of the Association has never traveled to any part of the Western world, nor addressed any foreign assembly as alleged. “If such claims were true, evidence such as flight records, videos, audio clips, or financial transactions would have been presented,” the association stated.
Citing Sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, CAN emphasized that false accusations aimed at damaging a person’s reputation amount to criminal defamation—a punishable offense under Nigerian law. It said consultations with legal counsel were already underway and that a libel lawsuit is being prepared against Bello.
Beyond the personal attack on the CAN chairman, the association described Bello’s remarks as an affront to the collective unity of the Christian body in Bauchi and an insult to ongoing interfaith harmony in the state.
“Bello’s disgraceful remarks are not just an attack on an individual; they are an attack on the unity and sanctity of the Christian body in Bauchi State,” the statement continued. “His comments are filled with inaccuracies and provocations, and were carefully designed to divide, provoke suspicion, and erode trust within the Church.”
CAN reiterated that under the current leadership, the association has played a crucial role in fostering religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Bauchi. It cited various joint peace summits, interfaith dialogues, and grassroots conflict resolution efforts with Muslim leaders—especially the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI)—as evidence of its commitment to unity.
“Our leadership remains transparent, accountable, and committed to defending the rights and interests of Christians in Bauchi State,” Rev. Laslimbo added. “The chairman’s legacy of integrity and fairness will not be dragged through the mud without consequences.”
The association called on the public to disregard the “baseless noise” from what it described as a “disgruntled individual with no moral or factual ground,” while affirming its unwavering resolve to uphold peace and justice.
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