The Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected allegations of a “Christian genocide” taking place in the country, dismissing the claims made by United States Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher as false and divisive. Lawmakers described the allegations as an attempt to mislead the international community and destabilize Nigeria’s unity.
The resolution came after senators debated a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities.” During the heated session, lawmakers emphasized the need to strengthen national security and enhance counter-terrorism measures across the country.
The motion was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), among others. The senators agreed that false narratives about Nigeria’s security challenges could cause serious diplomatic and inter-religious tension.
Seconding the motion, Senator Magatakarda Wamakko condemned the genocide narrative as “outright misinformation aimed at destroying our nation.” He warned that continuous propagation of such claims could erode global confidence in Nigeria’s governance and further divide citizens.
“This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue,” Wamakko said.
Adding his voice to the debate, Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) expressed concern that unfounded genocide allegations could damage Nigeria’s reputation abroad and create unnecessary sectarian conflict.
Kawu stated, “It is very common knowledge to us that nobody is supporting any act of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing its best to make sure we are living in a conducive atmosphere. Some of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in my own state are members of the security council and traditional institutions.
“If they pass the bill in the United States, it will be dangerous to us, both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. I am seriously worried that the United States Congress or a ranking United States senator will come up with a very uninformed position. As a parliament, we must join hands with our government to inform the United States government and the United States parliament that the position they are taking is not in tandem with what is going on.”
Also contributing to the motion, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) urged his colleagues to push for a renewed national security strategy that would better define Nigeria’s approach to counter-terrorism.
He said, “We must come to terms to understand the strategies, tactics, and practices of the terrorists. We must now engage the government on counter-terrorism measures. We must engage knowledge. We must go into executive session to define and redefine our counter-terrorism measures.”
Okay News reports that the controversy began after United States Senator Ted Cruz, during a podcast with television host Bill Maher, alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being “systematically targeted and killed,” a situation he described as genocide. Maher and political commentator Van Jones also echoed similar claims, accusing the Nigerian government of neglecting Christian communities.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, however, swiftly dismissed these assertions, stressing that the country’s insecurity challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, and general criminal activities, not from religious persecution. Officials reaffirmed that Nigeria’s security concerns affect citizens of all faiths.
Thursday’s Senate session marked a turning point in efforts to counter what lawmakers termed a “false and dangerous narrative.” The Senate’s decision signals an intent to work closely with the executive arm of government to implement stronger counter-terrorism strategies, promote religious harmony, and correct misleading impressions about Nigeria abroad.
Further deliberation on the motion was adjourned until the next legislative sitting, scheduled for Tuesday.
