• Presidency faults claims, says opposition distorting Nigeria’s image
• Senate to debate motion countering ‘Christian genocide’ commentary
• Akintola warns of ‘Western agenda’, says no religious war in Nigeria
• Ex-defence minister dismisses U.S. claims, urges lawmakers to ‘purge themselves’
• SGF invites Council of State, Police Council to security meeting

Facing mounting U.S. pressure over alleged “Christian genocide”, Nigeria’s government and lawmakers are working to correct what they call a misleading narrative, warning that the portrayal distorts facts, risks sanctions, and weakens diplomacy by ignoring the wider causes and shared impact of insecurity across all communities.

A bill introduced in the United States Senate by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz has triggered strong reactions in Nigeria, as it seeks to designate the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, particularly against Christians.

The bill, titled the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,’ calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to restore Nigeria’s CPC status and impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials accused of being complicit in religiously motivated violence or in enforcing blasphemy laws.

“Nigeria has become one of the deadliest places in the world to be a Christian,” Cruz said in a statement. “This bill ensures accountability for Nigerian officials who turn a blind eye, or worse, participate in the persecution of religious minorities.”

Currently, before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the bill cites mass killings, church burnings, and incidents such as the 2022 lynching of Deborah Emmanuel in Sokoto State as evidence of systemic religious violence.

REACTING, the Presidency accused opposition parties in Nigeria of lacking a basic understanding of their role in a democracy and resorting instead to creating scenarios aimed at destabilising the country.

It also warned that West African nations would no longer remain passive in the face of Western disinformation campaigns targeting African countries to sow instability.

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communications, Dr Daniel Bwala, made the remarks during a programme on Television Continental (TVC), where he addressed insecurity in Nigeria and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s recent claim that Christians are being targeted for persecution.

Bwala acknowledged that insecurity is a global challenge but accused some American lawmakers and sections of the Western media of pursuing an agenda to destabilise Nigeria.

“Immediately after the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), when Nigeria took a position on many issues around the world, including Gaza, 24 hours later, a comedian and journalist in the U.S., of Jewish descent, cried out,” he said. “From the context of his complaint, you can deduce there is an agenda because he says he wonders why young people in Nigeria are not on the street.”

Bwala said the report cited by such commentators was released under the previous administration and had already been “debunked and controverted” by other findings. “What they try to do is classify every crisis situation in any part of Nigeria as the killing of Christians. I am not saying Christians are not killed, but the figures they present show someone has an agenda,” he added.

He stressed that the government would not allow “agents of destabilisation” to succeed and urged Nigerians not to fall for propaganda. He criticised the opposition for failing to provide alternative policies and instead attempting to create crises to make the country ungovernable.

“I want to make it clear that insurgency and insecurity in Nigeria are not targeted only at Christians; they target all Nigerians, and we are collectively fighting it,” Bwala said. He noted that while Boko Haram initially targeted churches in an attempt to trigger a religious conflict, the group later expanded its attacks to all groups, and data shows that more Muslims than Christians have been killed.

Bwala added that incidents of Christians being killed by insurgents have significantly decreased since President Tinubu took office.

ALSO, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, dismissed claims by Senator Cruz, television host Bill Maher, and commentator Van Jones alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

In a post on X titled “Debunking the Genocide Frenzy by Senator Ted Cruz, Bill Maher, Van Jones et al,” Dare described the allegations as “false, misleading, and capable of inciting division.”

He said the narrative grossly misrepresented Nigeria’s security challenges, which are driven by terrorism and banditry, not religion. “These extremists target civilians indiscriminately: churches, mosques, markets, schools, and villages, killing Nigerians of every faith and ethnicity,” he said.

Dare quoted President Tinubu as saying Nigeria is “a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people,” and that “no faith is under siege and no community is excluded.” He cited Tinubu’s emphasis on unity and diversity, adding that the President’s marriage to a Christian pastor reflected Nigeria’s culture of religious tolerance.

“The truth remains simple. Nigeria is not witnessing a Christian genocide; it is confronting terrorism that targets everyone. And whoever alleges must prove,” Dare concluded.

Senate to debate motion countering ‘Christian genocide’ narrative
MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Senate is preparing to debate a key motion aimed at challenging what lawmakers describe as dangerous misrepresentations of the country’s security situation, particularly the growing international narrative portraying violence in parts of Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”

The motion, to be presented when the Senate resumes plenary, is sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), a former Senate Leader, and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South). Titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” the motion is expected to spark robust debate when it comes before the chamber.

In a draft obtained by The Guardian, Ndume acknowledges that Christian communities have suffered tragic attacks but warns that framing the security crisis as solely religious is inaccurate and dangerous.

“Mischaracterising the crisis in purely religious terms risks inflaming sectarian divisions, misguiding international policy, and undermining national unity,” the motion states.

It argues that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex, driven by terrorism, insurgency, communal conflicts, banditry, and organised crime, all of which have affected citizens across religious, ethnic, and regional lines.

The motion also cautions against the consequences of oversimplified narratives gaining traction abroad, citing recent moves in the U.S. Congress to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious persecution.

Among its proposed resolutions, the motion calls on the Senate to officially reject the “Christian genocide” label, describing it as a dangerous oversimplification of Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis.

It also urges the Federal Government to adopt a data-driven and transparent communication strategy, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies, to counter misinformation with verifiable facts and figures.

Religious leaders, civil society groups, and the media are being urged to exercise restraint and responsibility in their public statements and reporting to avoid inflaming sectarian tensions.

The motion further encourages foreign diplomatic missions, international media, and human rights organisations to rely on balanced, credible sources when assessing Nigeria’s religious freedom and security landscape.

In addition, it calls for relevant Senate committees, including Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, and Information, to work with the executive on a coordinated communications strategy, engage U.S. lawmakers and other international partners, and support interfaith peacebuilding efforts.

The motion also calls for renewed efforts to deliver justice for all victims of violence, regardless of religious affiliation, in order to address impunity and rebuild public trust.

The debate comes amid heightened diplomatic pressure from Western advocacy groups and religious lobbies portraying Nigeria as hostile to Christians. Ndume’s motion seeks to “reclaim the narrative” by stressing that both Christians and Muslims have suffered greatly from the country’s prolonged security crisis.

It further notes that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection under the law; principles that must not be undermined by “sensational or biased portrayals.”

As scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom records intensifies, the Senate debate could become a pivotal moment in shaping how the country presents its internal security realities to the global community.

Akintola warns of ‘Western agenda’, says no religious war in Nigeria
Prominent legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Niyi Akintola, condemned the bill and urged the National Assembly to respond with empirical evidence to counter what he described as a misleading narrative being promoted in Washington.

He argued that Nigeria is not at war and that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made significant progress in tackling terrorism and banditry since taking office in 2023.

“This is an agenda the lawmakers must pursue relentlessly as they resume today,” Akintola said.

“They must also let the whole world understand that some opposition politicians are bent on destroying the country with propaganda. I say that there is no religious war in Nigeria and that the terrorists are not just attacking Christians, as the story is being painted.”

Akintola also criticised both domestic and foreign media for amplifying “exaggerated” and “inaccurate” accounts of Nigeria’s security challenges, which he said were distorting global perceptions.

“The media has fed the Western world with plenty of reports that are either not correct or inaccurate in rating the country,” he said.

He further warned of what he described as a broader Western agenda.

“Nigeria must be wary of the Western world, who, according to me, have its own agenda to ensure that Nigeria is dismembered. The Western world is bent on achieving this objective, and part of it is the proposed bill in the U.S. Congress to brand the largest Black nation as a country of particular concern on which sanctions must be imposed.

“We must begin to look out for those remarketing this nation. This will not do them any good, nor will it help the country.”

Akintola urged the National Assembly to act decisively by assembling “powerful delegates” to travel to the U.S. and engage with Congress directly on the issue.

Ex-defence minister dismisses U.S. claims, urges lawmakers to ‘purge themselves’
Also speaking against the proposed legislation, Dr Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Defence, said the United States has no right to impose sanctions on Nigeria over matters it has not thoroughly investigated.

“America does not have the right to impose sanctions on Nigeria on issues they (Congressmen) do not have facts on,” Agunloye said.

He acknowledged that violence exists but stressed that both Christians and Muslims are victims, and that retaliatory attacks between communities and bandits have further complicated the situation.

“Yes, Christians are being killed, just as Muslims are also being killed. Bandits attack communities, just as communities also assemble themselves for reprisal attacks on the bandits,” he said.

Agunloye also warned that Nigeria’s international image crisis is partly due to failures within the government.

“My take is that this battle of propaganda against Nigeria will not cease until those in government purge themselves and place more value on collective issues that affect us, instead of personal issues that are of benefit to politicians in power.

“Most of the crises facing Nigeria in the international community are being caused by governors, lawmakers, and government appointees who have failed to do the needful,” he said.

He concluded with a call for self-reflection by the legislature.

“What should the National Assembly do to address the situation? Of course, the lawmakers need to purge themselves first. Otherwise, foreign nations will continue to meddle in our affairs,” Agunloye added.

Don calls for decisive response, warns of possible diplomatic fallout
Jean Monnet Professor of Strategy and Development, Anthony Kila, also urged the Nigerian government to respond decisively to the proposed bill by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, warning that its passage could harm diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Kila questioned the basis of the bill, which he said portrays Nigeria in a negative light, and called on the government to demand an explanation from Senator Cruz on the sources and findings that informed the legislation.

“If the Nigerian government fails to act and the bill is passed into law, it could strain our relationship with the United States,” Kila said. “There is the potential for serious consequences, including visa restrictions. This is not something to be dismissed or treated casually in the media.”

He criticised what he described as a lack of clarity from Nigeria’s National Assembly and stressed the need for a diplomatic approach. “The government must engage with Cruz directly and ask him to present the facts and figures that led to this move,” he said.

Kila added that the Tinubu administration must intensify its international engagement to counter the perception of lawlessness. “Nigeria needs to demonstrate to the world that it is a nation governed by laws and not the negative image currently being projected,” he said.

However, Professor of International Relations Femi Otubanjo dismissed concerns over the bill, describing it as inconsequential and unlikely to progress beyond its current stage.

“It is just a member’s motion, and such motions rarely go anywhere because the U.S. Congress is not a frivolous place where every proposal automatically becomes a bill,” he said.

“It’s merely a motion for the member to get noticed. The process of elevating a proposal to the level of a bill in the United States is extremely complex. It passes through several committees, and even the Nigerian government would be invited to speak at a public hearing, among other procedures.

“So, I don’t think there’s anything to fear, especially since it is not supported by the State Department or the U.S. presidency,” he added.

A source familiar with the development told The Guardian that one of Nigeria’s major diplomatic setbacks has been the failure to appoint ambassadors who should be representing the country’s interests abroad.

The source further revealed that Nigeria made a mistake by rejecting a U.S. proposal to host immigrants, explaining that accepting the offer could have restored the five-year visa policy Nigeria once enjoyed, similar to Ghana’s arrangement.

“America seeks partnerships with countries across different regions, and they wanted such a partnership with us. Unfortunately, we refused because we were not strategic. Had we accepted, our partnership with the U.S. would have been strengthened. Now, if they blacklist us, we could lose any chance of securing a seat at the United Nations Security Council,” the source said.

Senator Cruz’s bill builds on longstanding concerns raised by U.S.-based religious freedom organisations and conservative lawmakers, who argue that Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. According to Open Doors, Nigeria accounted for more than 80 per cent of Christian-related killings worldwide in 2023.

Although Nigeria was designated a CPC by the U.S. State Department in 2020, it was removed in 2021 by the Biden administration, a decision that drew widespread criticism. The new bill seeks to reinstate that designation and sanction individuals found responsible for violations of religious freedom.

If passed, the designation could result in U.S. aid restrictions, travel bans, and asset freezes, further straining Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relations with Washington.

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with no clear timeline yet for a full Senate vote. Nigerian lawmakers are expected to issue a formal response as the National Assembly resumes session this week.

Analysts warn that while the bill is unlikely to pass quickly, it reflects growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s internal security and human rights record, and could further heighten tensions if not addressed diplomatically.

SGF invites Council of State, Police Council to security meeting
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has invited members of the Council of State and the Police Council to a strategic meeting.

The Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

The statement quoted Dr Emanso Umobong, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, as saying that the meeting aims to discuss matters of national importance and key issues affecting national security and policing.

According to the statement, the hybrid meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Council Chambers, Aso Villa, Abuja.

It noted that the meeting with the Council of State will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the session with the Police Council at 2:00 p.m.

The statement added, “Members are requested to participate either physically or virtually.

“This high-level meeting underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.”