The Nigerian Senate has dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in the country, describing claims made by United States Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher as false, misleading, and capable of inciting division.
The upper chamber made the position known on Thursday during plenary while debating a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities.”
Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamakko, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, the motion sought to counter what lawmakers described as dangerous misinformation being circulated in foreign media.
Senator Wamakko, who seconded the motion, denounced the genocide narrative as “outright misinformation aimed at destroying our nation,” urging a coordinated response to protect Nigeria’s image.
Also contributing, Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) cautioned that such unfounded claims could strain international relations and ignite sectarian tension.
He expressed concern that a U.S. congressional resolution based on misinformation could endanger both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
“It is very common knowledge that no one supports terrorism in Nigeria,” Kawu said.
“If they pass the bill in the U.S., it will be dangerous to us all.
We must inform the U.S. government that their position is not reflective of the reality here.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a national rethink on terrorism and security, urging the Senate to work with the executive on redefining Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The controversy followed remarks by Senator Ted Cruz in a podcast with Bill Maher, where he alleged that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria a claim also echoed by commentator Van Jones.
In response, the Federal Government rejected the assertions, clarifying that the nation’s security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religious persecution.
The Senate’s resolution marks a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and correct what lawmakers described as a distorted foreign narrative.
Further debate on the motion is expected next Tuesday.