The Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State Chapter, has denied making comments that Christians are being persecuted in some parts of the state, and is preparing a defamation suit against a Northern influencer.

CAN was responding to an online clip made by a TikTok influencer, Dan Bello, saying that the Bauchi State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Abraham Damina, had granted an interview to Morning Star News, stating that Christians are being persecuted in the state.

The Association, in a statement by its Secretary, Rev Mathew Wakili Laslimbo, on Wednesday, said that CAN issued the formal and unyielding rebuttal to the vile, malicious, and defamatory allegations recently spewed by Dan Bello against the person of the Chairman and the integrity of the Association.

He stated that, ?Let it be stated unequivocally that Dan Bello?s claims are false, reckless, and libelous, a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of our leadership and mislead the public through fabrication, mischief, and spite. Dan Bello has offered not a single shred of credible evidence to support his wild allegations.

?His claims are pure fiction, rooted in personal vendetta and petty jealousy, obviously fueled by masked faces. These reckless statements constitute defamation per se under the Nigerian law, statements so inherently damaging that their falsity and malicious intent are self-evident.

?Under Section 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, false accusations intended to damage the reputation of another person or body amount to criminal defamation, punishable by imprisonment. We are already consulting with legal counsel and preparing to take decisive legal action.

?Our leader, the CAN Chairman, has never been to any part of the Western World nor addressed any foreign assembly for the said purpose as claimed by Dan Bello. Evidence of flight tickets, audio/video of the said address, meeting venues, details of account transactions would have been made bare in support of Dan Bello?s meritless campaign.?

CAN said that 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. His comments were carefully designed to divide, provoke suspicion, and erode trust within the Church.

?This will not be tolerated. His statements, filled with inaccuracies and provocations, are not only misleading?they are a direct insult to the peace-loving people of Bauchi State and an affront to the genuine efforts of interfaith leaders who have worked tirelessly to preserve unity and harmony in the state.?

CAN said that the collaborative efforts between Christian and Muslim leaders (JNI), spearheaded in part by CAN and its Chairman, have been a model for other states to emulate.

He said Christian and Muslim communities have coexisted in mutual respect, with CAN playing a pivotal role in bridging divides. (The Guardian)

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