Federal Commissioner of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has dismissed as false the claims suggesting that a genocide is being perpetrated against Christians in Nigeria.
Speaking during a live interview on TVC’s “This Morning” programme, Agbonayinma described the allegations as misleading and dangerous, urging stronger diplomatic engagement with the United States Congress to counter the negative narratives against the country.
Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives, maintained that the Nigerian government is not complicit in any mass killings, stressing that the crises in parts of the country have affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
“I do not believe the government is involved in any genocide. That is far from the truth,” he stated. “Yes, people have been killed—Christians have been killed, Muslims have been killed—but to generalise that the Nigerian government is behind such acts is false and dangerous.”
The Edo-born politician expressed concern over what he described as one-sided reports presented before members of the U.S. Congress, particularly Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Christopher Smith, urging Nigerian diplomats to rise to the occasion in defending the nation’s image abroad.
“Do we even have the right people in Washington, D.C.? What is our Foreign Affairs Ministry doing?” he queried.
“I remember meeting with Congressman Christopher Smith, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He asked me, ‘Do you have an ambassador here?’ and I was shocked. That tells you the kind of diplomatic gap we have allowed to exist.”
Recalling his past engagement with U.S. lawmakers, Agbonayinma noted his collaboration in developing a Nigeria–U.S. Congressional Agenda, which was approved by the U.S. Congress to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation on security, education, and development.
“That document was designed to help both countries work together. But we failed to follow it through. Now, those presenting distorted stories abroad are filling the gap we left,” he said.
While sympathising with victims of violence across the country, Agbonayinma cautioned against using religion as a divisive tool.
“No one should rejoice over the loss of lives. Every soul matters,” he said. “Whether it is a Christian or a Muslim, a child or a woman, it is painful. But we must not allow outsiders to divide us. We are one family—one Nigeria.”
He called on religious and community leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and Muslim leaders, to unite in promoting peace and national cohesion.
“If this country collapses, it affects everyone—Christians, Muslims, rich, and poor alike,” he cautioned.
Agbonayinma further stressed the need for justice and accountability, insisting that those responsible for acts of violence must be brought to justice regardless of faith or status.
“Anyone found guilty of committing these atrocities must be brought to book. That is what justice means. That is what the United States itself stands for,” he stated.
He concluded by urging the Federal Government to take charge of Nigeria’s international image through proactive diplomatic engagement.
“We must tell our story ourselves,” he said. “Others have already told theirs. If we remain silent, falsehood will become truth. It is time for the Nigerian government to engage diplomatically and set the record straight.”
