Senator Warns US Rhetoric Could Fuel Religious Tension in Nigeria

Senator Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila has issued a strong caution against what he terms "inflammatory foreign rhetoric" that could exacerbate Nigeria's already fragile security situation. The senator, representing Kano South Senatorial District, specifically pointed to the persistent campaign by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to have Nigeria redesignated as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.

Sumaila asserted that Cruz's narrative misrepresents Nigeria's security realities and undermines national unity efforts. He emphasized that the country's challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, affect all faiths and ethnic groups, making it inaccurate to define them along purely religious lines. "Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency have claimed victims across all faiths and ethnic groups," Sumaila stated, arguing that such a portrayal distorts facts and risks prompting foreign policies detached from the ground truth.

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Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency have claimed victims across all faiths and ethnic groups.

The senator recalled that the Trump administration had previously removed Nigeria from the CPC list following verified progress and diplomatic engagement. He expressed concern that Cruz's continued advocacy for relisting suggests a motivation driven by a narrow viewpoint rather than an objective assessment. Sumaila appealed to Christians globally to scrutinize narratives that promote religious division, advocating instead for genuine friends of Nigeria to support peace, reconciliation, interfaith cooperation, and sustainable development.

Highlighting the sacrifices of Nigerian security forces, Sumaila noted that Christians and Muslims serve together against criminal elements. He pointed out that attacks target churches, mosques, markets, schools, and communities indiscriminately, underscoring insecurity as a national, not sectarian, problem. The senator warned that ignoring these realities for divisive political narratives diminishes the efforts of those working to restore peace and the sacrifices of victims. He reaffirmed Nigeria's diversity as its strength and urged foreign actors to refrain from exploiting internal challenges for political gain.

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Genuine friends of Nigeria should support peace, reconciliation, interfaith cooperation, sustainable development and respect for the country’s sovereignty instead of amplifying narratives that could worsen existing tensions.