The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in the country, describing the claims made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher as false, divisive, and capable of undermining national unity.
Lawmakers made the declaration during Thursday’s plenary while debating a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities.”
The motion, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), and others, sought to counter what they described as a wave of misinformation damaging Nigeria’s image abroad.
“This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue,” Senator Wamakko said, condemning the narrative as “outright misinformation aimed at destroying our nation.”
Lawmakers Warn Against Foreign Misinformation
Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) expressed concern that such unfounded allegations could strain Nigeria’s international relations and heighten religious tensions within the country.
“It is common knowledge that nobody supports acts of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing its best to ensure peace. Some of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in my state are members of our security council and traditional institutions,” Kawu said.
He cautioned that if the U.S. Congress acts on such claims, it could “pose danger to both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.”
Call for Stronger Counter-Terrorism Measures
In his contribution, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) urged the Senate to lead a national rethink on terrorism and security, calling for more strategic engagement and policy reforms.
“We must understand the strategies and tactics of terrorists. The Senate should engage the executive to redefine our counter-terrorism measures. We must engage knowledge,” he stated.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, during a podcast with Bill Maher, alleged that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria — a situation he termed genocide.
Both Maher and political commentator Van Jones echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Nigerian government of neglecting Christian communities.
In response, the Federal Government swiftly rejected the claims, clarifying that Nigeria’s security challenges stemmed from terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religious persecution.
Senate Moves for Coordinated Response
Following the debate, lawmakers resolved to work closely with the Federal Government to design more effective counter-terrorism and diplomatic strategies aimed at correcting what they described as a “distorted and dangerous foreign narrative.”
The Senate also urged Nigerians to remain united and vigilant, stressing that the fight against insecurity must transcend religious and ethnic divides.
