During plenary, lawmakers debated a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities.” The Senate resolved to work closely with the Federal Government to strengthen counter-terrorism strategies and improve national security.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), among others, sought to counter what lawmakers described as dangerous misinformation circulating internationally.
Senator Wamakko, while seconding the motion, condemned the genocide narrative as “outright misinformation aimed at destroying Nigeria’s image.”
“This misinformation cannot continue unchecked. We must take decisive steps to address this,” he emphasized.
Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) cautioned that such unfounded claims could strain Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and inflame sectarian divisions.
He noted, “It’s public knowledge that no one supports terrorism in this country. Both Muslims and Christians are victims. The government is doing its best to ensure peace and security. It is shocking that a U.S. Senator could take such an uninformed position.”
Similarly, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a renewed national strategy on terrorism, urging lawmakers to engage more deeply with the government on counter-terrorism policy.
“We must understand the tactics of terrorists and work with the executive to redefine our national security framework,” he said.
The controversy originated from a podcast featuring U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, TV host Bill Maher, and commentator Van Jones, where they alleged that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria — a claim the Nigerian government has firmly denied.
The Federal Government reiterated that the nation’s insecurity stems from terrorism, banditry, and criminal activities, not religious persecution.
Thursday’s Senate resolution underscores a unified national response to defend Nigeria’s image and correct distorted foreign narratives that could endanger diplomatic relations and social harmony.
