Speaking, Friday, at the 62nd National Prayer Breakfast meeting of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAAN) held at the Washington Hilton, Obama said; “I have pledged our support to the people of Nigeria, who deserve to worship in their churches and mosques in peace, free from terror.”
In its response, CANAAN said it welcomed Obama’s pledge to continue his support for Nigeria in its war against terrorism.
According to a statement signed by CANAAN’s Secretary Laolu Akande: “CANAN welcomes the continued focus of the US government and the support of President Obama in this matter.
“It is our hope and expectation that with the active support of the US government, including through the implementation of the Foreign Terrorism Organisation (FTO) designation of the terror groups, Nigerian Christians and others would heave a huge sigh of relief from the brutal and ruthless violence that is being perpetrated by extreme Jihadists fundamentalists and terrorists.”
CANAAN, which called for greater and increasing support from the US government especially in the area of going after terrorist leaders within the context of the FTO, also urged the US to increase its support for the ongoing operations of the Nigerian military to end the carnage in North-eastern Nigeria.