Nigerian Presidency Rejects Senator Cruz’s Claims of Religious Violence

The Nigerian presidency has firmly rejected allegations made by US Senator Ted Cruz regarding the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. In a response to Cruz’s claims, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, described the assertions as “malicious, contrived lies.”

Senator Cruz, in a post on the social media platform X, accused Nigerian officials of ignoring and even facilitating the “mass murder of Christians” by Islamist jihadists. He stated, “It’s time to hold those responsible accountable. My Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act would target these officials with powerful sanctions and other tools.”

Onanuga countered Cruz’s claims, asserting that Nigeria does not experience a religious war. He emphasized that terrorist groups like Boko Haram indiscriminately attack various communities, stating, “The degraded Boko Haram terrorists operating on the fringes of Nigeria’s North-east target everyone. They attack farmers, our soldiers.”

In his rebuttal, Onanuga highlighted that bandits in the North-west also perpetrate violence against worshippers in mosques, insisting that Christians are not specifically targeted. He maintained that Nigeria enjoys a level of religious harmony, urging Cruz to cease spreading what he termed “malicious lies.”

On October 3, 2023, President Tinubu reiterated in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, that allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria are unfounded. He pointed out that the nation, which has existed for over 65 years, has cultivated a rich tapestry of cultural and religious diversity. “No religion is under threat in the country,” he stated, further reinforcing the idea that Nigerians have learned to appreciate their differences.

The ongoing discourse highlights the delicate balance in Nigeria regarding religious tensions and the international perception of these issues. Onanuga and President Tinubu’s remarks aim to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter external criticisms that may exacerbate misunderstandings about the country’s socio-political situation.

As this narrative unfolds, both international observers and local citizens remain attentive to the implications of such statements on Nigeria’s global relations and internal cohesion.