The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been cautioned by the Presidency to refrain from spreading misinformation about the alleged selective payment of ransom to terrorists by Buhari’s administration. This warning comes in response to CAN’s recent claim that the administration paid ransoms selectively, particularly in relation to the release of Muslim Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls held captive by Boko Haram.
In response to these assertions made by CAN’s spokesperson, Kwamkur Samuel, President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has refuted the allegations, labeling them as “unfounded.” Adesina stated that no ransom was paid for the release of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls on March 21, 2018.
The Presidency’s response read: “We are again constrained to react to unfounded allegations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) about the payment or non-payment of ransom for the release of the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls. Media reports quoted CAN’s Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Kwamkur Samuel, making claims about the payment of ransom and the religious backgrounds of the abducted girls. When the media in August 2018 quoted a United Nations Report alleging that the Federal Government paid a ‘huge ransom’ for the release of the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, immediately disputed the report, insisting that no ransom was paid, ‘little or huge.’ According to the Minister, ‘There must be a conclusive evidence to support such a claim. Without that, the claim remains what it is – a mere conjecture.’ We urge CAN to desist from disinformation which can further divide Nigerians. The letter and spirit of the Holy Bible do not support discord, which CAN’s allegations are liable to cause.”
The statement continued to emphasize the need for unity and collaboration in moving Nigeria forward, regardless of religious differences. It also highlighted President Buhari’s commitment to securing the release of the Chibok schoolgirls, reiterating the call for peace and unity in the nation.