CAN Rejoinder Unnecessary — Sultan’s Media Team
The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has described as unnecessary the recent rejoinder issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) concerning the planned foundation ceremony of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
CAN had earlier clarified that it did not invite the Sultan to play any role in the event, stating that the document circulating in the public domain originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and should not be attributed to the Christian body.
However, the Sultan’s Media Team insists that an official invitation card was duly sent to His Eminence, requesting his attendance as Royal Father of the Day. The invitation, according to the statement, also listed the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, as Mother of the Day.
The statement further disclosed that the event is to be hosted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, with the CAN President, Daniel Okoh, and Peter Ogunmiyiwa, serving as RSVP and organising chairman respectively.
While expressing concern over CAN’s denial, the Media Team described the development as unnecessary, stressing that the Sultan did not seek an invitation to the event in the first place.
It emphasised that the Sultan’s participation in a Christian ceremony aligns with his longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and national unity. As Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, the statement noted, his presence at such events reflects a broader effort to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Drawing from global examples, the Media Team observed that religious leaders across the world often participate in activities outside their faith traditions without controversy, describing such engagements as vital for fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The statement concluded by urging CAN to channel its public communications towards strengthening harmony and unity among Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic communities.
