…Rejects persecution claims, to meet FG on new counter-terrorism strategy
The Senate has resolved to engage the Federal Government in designing a coordinated counter-terrorism and diplomatic strategy to counter growing international misinformation about Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly the claims of a “Christian genocide” being peddled in the United States.
Presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the upper legislative chamber, on Thursday, dismissed as false and divisive the allegations made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher, describing them as dangerous misinformation capable of threatening Nigeria’s unity and global reputation.
The decision followed the consideration of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), and Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West).
At the heart of the Senate’s concern is a proposed legislation before the U.S. Congress, the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which seeks to sanction Nigerian officials allegedly complicit in religious persecution, redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” and penalize those enforcing Sharia or blasphemy laws.
However, lawmakers across party and religious divides rejected the premise of the U.S. bill, insisting that insecurity in Nigeria is not religion-driven but the outcome of terrorism, banditry, and criminality.
Leading the debate, Senator Ndume described the U.S. claims as “baseless, misleading, and dangerous,” noting that terrorism in Nigeria has targeted both Muslims and Christians alike.
“This genocide narrative is a distortion of facts. Terrorists do not ask for religious identity before attacking. Nigerians of all faiths have been victims of the same violence. The Senate must take the lead in defending the image of our country,” Ndume said.
Co-sponsor of the motion, Senator Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), called the claim “outright misinformation aimed at destroying Nigeria’s unity.” He warned that if not properly countered, the narrative could inflame sectarian tension and undermine international confidence in Nigeria.
“This misinformation cannot continue. We must act decisively to defend the integrity of our country,” Wamakko said.
Also contributing, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano South) decried the spread of false statistics suggesting that “100 churches are burnt monthly in Nigeria,” calling it a deliberate attempt to provoke religious division.
“In my constituency, Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully. It is mischievous to claim otherwise.
Terrorism has taken lives from both faiths, in Borno, Kaduna, and Kano alike. It kills without discrimination,” he added.
He warned that the passage of the U.S. bill could criminalize Nigerian leaders, deepen mistrust among citizens, and worsen existing security challenges.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), who holds a Ph.D. in War Studies, stressed the need for a knowledge-based approach to counter-terrorism, urging the Senate to undertake a strategic review of Nigeria’s security framework.
He said, “This is not about Christians or Muslims; it’s about defeating terror in all its manifestations.
“We need a deep understanding of terrorist tactics and praxis before recommending the right counter-measures,” Ibrahim said.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio lauded the non-partisan contributions of senators, describing the U.S. bill as a “one-sided narrative that misrepresents Nigeria’s complex security realities.”
“When terrorists strike, they don’t ask their victims whether they are Christians or Muslims. From Borno to Benue, Kaduna to the Southeast, innocent Nigerians have lost their lives. This is a national tragedy, not a religious war,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President warned that sanctions could aggravate economic hardship and undermine national stability. “Sanctions breed poverty, and poverty knows no religion. Engagement, not confrontation, should be our answer,” he said.
Akpabio proposed that the Senate collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Adviser’s office, and the Presidency to craft a unified national response. He also suggested sending a Senate delegation to the U.S. Congress to present Nigeria’s perspective and correct false impressions.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) thereafter moved a motion for the adoption of the Senate’s position affirming that insecurity in Nigeria is not religion-driven.
He proposed that further legislative action be deferred until after an executive session slated for next Tuesday.
“Our resolution today is that the Senate totally supports this motion and affirms that insecurity in Nigeria is not religion-driven. We should meet in executive session next week to fashion out a comprehensive national response,” Bamidele said.
The motion was seconded by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who maintained that the issue should be treated purely as a matter of national security.
Following a unanimous voice vote, the Senate adopted the resolution to hold a closed-door session next week to deliberate on a new counter-terrorism strategy and diplomatic engagement plan with the United States.
Summing up the debate, Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society. Our diversity should be our strength, not our weakness.
“We will engage, educate, and correct the wrong perceptions. This Senate stands united to defend Nigeria’s integrity and promote peace among all citizens,” he declared.
