The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied media reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited to serve as the “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed foundation-laying ceremony of the Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
CAN’s media office, in a statement on Saturday, asked Nigerians to disregard the report, describing the claim as false. “We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan of Sokoto by the leadership of CAN. This claim is false.
“For the records, the material in question was made public by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and not from CAN. At no point did CAN release any such invitation.
“But beyond its inaccuracy, the narrative appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists. At a time when national unity requires careful stewardship, such distortions are reckless and unacceptable,” CAN said.
The Association said it remains unwavering in its dual commitment: to uphold the integrity of the Christian faith and worship, and to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians. “These are not competing values; they are complementary responsibilities.
“However, truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism. The suggestion that the Sultan was assigned any role in the ceremonial proceedings is entirely unfounded and should be dismissed in its entirety.”
CAN, therefore, called on the media, opinion leaders, and the public to act with responsibility: verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality.
“Let it be clearly and finally stated: the Sultan of Sokoto was not invited. The story in circulation is the handiwork of mischief-makers and should be disregarded,” CAN restated.