The Nigerian Senate is preparing to open a heated debate on a motion seeking to address what it calls “dangerous misrepresentations” of the country’s security crisis as a campaign of “Christian genocide” — a narrative gaining traction in international circles, particularly in the United States.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” is sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by several senior lawmakers, including Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamako, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Wadada.
In the draft motion, Ndume expressed alarm over what he described as a growing wave of misleading claims in both local and foreign media alleging systematic attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the devastating assaults suffered by Christian communities, the lawmaker stressed that violent attacks have affected citizens of all faiths. He warned that framing the crisis in purely religious terms could inflame sectarian tensions and distort international understanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape.
According to the motion, Nigeria’s insecurity stems from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and criminal violence — all of which have claimed lives across religious, ethnic, and regional lines.
The Senate also expressed unease about developments in Washington, where some lawmakers are pushing to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious persecution.
Lawmakers cautioned that such a designation could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and trigger economic consequences. The motion reaffirmed that the Nigerian government is constitutionally obligated to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.
To counter the growing international narrative, the Senate is proposing a coordinated communication and diplomatic strategy. Key elements include:
POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that the American government recently reiterated its “deep concern” over targeted attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. The statement came after prominent American TV host Bill Maher devoted part of his HBO show to what he called a “silent genocide” against Christians in the country.
Maher accused the Western media of ignoring mass killings by Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and Fulani militias, citing claims that more than 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 and thousands of churches destroyed.
His comments drew support from Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who said the crisis had not received the attention it deserves from the global media.
Reacting to the growing debate, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the “Christian genocide” narrative as false and divisive.
He stressed that terrorist groups target Nigerians indiscriminately, noting that Muslims, Christians, and non-religious citizens alike have suffered from extremist violence.
“Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against one religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality,” Idris said.