Allegation by a United States of America lawmaker, Ted Cruz that there is an ongoing attempt to wipe off Christians across Nigeria has been debunked by the Nigerian Senate.
The Senate during its plenary on Thursday described Cruz’s claim and proposed bill titled, “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” as evidence of misconception.
Recall that the proposal by the US lawmaker has continued to generate mixed reactions with the presidency and other government officials slamming Cruz for such a claim.
The bill if passed into law by the US government aims to protect Christians and other religious minorities from being persecuted in Nigeria.
It also aims to hold accountable, all Nigerian officials who facilitate Islamist jihadist violence and the imposition of blasphemy laws by declaring visa bans on the leaders, among others.
However, reacting to this, the Senate in a motion raised by Ali Ndume (Borno South) described the proposal as divisive, and capable of undermining national unity.
Supported by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), the motion also said that there is a need to correct the misconception surrounding the genocide claim.
According to the lawmakers, it has become imperative for the Red Chamber to work with the Nigerian government to effectively address the growing insecurity in the country.
In his address, Wamakko said, “This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue.”
Sumaila Kawu, the lawmaker who represents Kano South warned that allowing “unfounded allegations” like this to fester could sectarian tension.
Kawu said the Federal Government is working towards ensuring conducive living conditions for all Nigerians.
He added that passing such a bill in the US would only be detrimental to the national peace, unity and progress.
“If they pass the bill in the US, it will be dangerous to us, both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. I am seriously worried that the US Congress or a ranking US senator will come up with a very uninformed position.
“As a parliament, we must join hands with our government to inform the US government and the US parliament that the position they are taking is not in tandem with what is going on,” Kawu noted.
Following arguments by the various lawmakers, the leadership of the Senate adjourned further deliberation on the matter to Tuesday, October 14.