Senate moves to counter ‘Christian genocide’ narrative

• Lawmakers to hold executive session on foreign reports alleging religious persecution

The Senate has resolved to hold a closed-door session to deliberate on allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, following growing concerns over international media reports and foreign legislative actions portraying the nation’s insecurity as religion-driven.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) during plenary on Thursday. The motion, co-sponsored by lawmakers across party and regional lines, sought to correct what they described as “misleading narratives” about Nigeria’s security challenges.

Ndume said the unity of the country rests on mutual tolerance, accurate understanding of its diversity, and fact-based reporting on national security.

He noted that while insurgency and banditry have claimed the lives of both Christians and Muslims, certain advocacy groups and international organisations have amplified a “Christian genocide” narrative that distorts Nigeria’s realities.

Citing attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno between 2022 and 2023, the Borno lawmaker stressed that terrorists often target both churches and mosques in their operations.

“The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and protection of all citizens irrespective of faith. We must present the correct picture to the world,” Ndume said.

Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North), who seconded the motion, warned that persistent misinformation could divide the country and fuel diplomatic tensions.

“This misinformation cannot continue. We must act decisively to correct it,” he said.

Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) urged proactive engagement with the United States Congress, warning that its recent moves could endanger both Christians and Muslims.

“As a parliament, we must ensure the U.S. government is properly informed about the realities in Nigeria,” Kawu added.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a deeper understanding of terrorist tactics, noting that religious labels often mask broader security challenges.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said terrorism in Nigeria is not faith-driven but geography-based.

“If terrorism occurs in a Christian-dominated area, Christians become victims; if it happens in a Muslim area, Muslims suffer the same fate,” he said.

He cautioned that international sanctions inspired by false reports could worsen poverty in the country.

“We must engage our counterparts abroad to correct the wrong narratives. A small delegation should visit our colleagues in the U.S. to present the facts,” Akpabio said.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele confirmed that the upper chamber unanimously agreed that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges are not religiously motivated.

“We will hold an executive session on the matter and return to plenary with our resolutions,” he stated.