CAN Dismisses Claims On Sultan’s Invitation To Airport Chapel Event

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a firm rebuttal against what it described as “misleading” social media claims alleging that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited to serve as “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed foundation laying ceremony of the Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a press statement signed by its media office, CAN stated unequivocally that no such invitation was extended to the sultan by the association.

“We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the sultan by CAN. This claim is false,” the statement said.

The organisation clarified that the controversial material in circulation originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), not from CAN.

It accused unnamed persons of deliberately framing the narrative 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 stated, adding that while the association remained committed to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians, truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism.

CAN urged the public to disregard the story entirely, calling it the handiwork of mischief makers.

“The suggestion that the sultan was assigned any role in the ceremonial proceedings is entirely unfounded and should be dismissed in its entirety,” the statement added.

The association called on the media, opinion leaders and the general public to act with responsibility, urging them to 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,” CAN stated.