Christian genocide claim triggered by Nigeria’s stance on Israel-Palestine conflict – Daniel Bwala
The special adviser to the president on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, has attributed the circulation of claims about Christian genocide in Nigeria to the country’s firm position on a two-state solution regarding the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
During an interview on France24 TV in Paris, Bwala said that after Nigeria’s statement—delivered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—certain Western figures began promoting the Christian genocide narrative.
In his address at the UNGA 80th session in New York, Shettima condemned attacks on innocent civilians and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for a two-state resolution to the conflict.
“We do not believe that the sanctity of human life should be trapped in the corridors of endless debate,” Shettima had said.
“That is why we say, without stuttering and without doubt, that a two-state solution remains the most dignified path to lasting peace for the people of Palestine.”
In recent weeks, the narrative of Christian genocide in Nigeria has gained traction across mainstream and social media, particularly among some US-based commentators.
In reaction, Ted Cruz, a US senator, introduced a bill aimed at protecting “persecuted” Christians in Nigeria.
Riley Moore, a member of the US house of representatives, urged Marco Rubio, secretary of state, to immediately launch diplomatic measures against the Nigerian government over the alleged “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in the country.
Bill Maher, a US comedian and talk show host, also alleged that terror groups are engaging in a systematic extermination of Christians in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has consistently refuted these allegations.
‘WE REJECT NOTION OF CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE IN NIGERIA’
Bwala dismissed the genocide claim as a “cooked-up narrative by the West because they see that we are making gains with the economy”.
He said US political figures promoting the narrative are relying on a report by Intersociety, which he described as containing “contradictions”.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is recording progress in tackling insecurity, and attempts to frame victims along religious lines are aimed at igniting religious tension.
“We strongly object to the notion that there is systematic genocide in Nigeria,” Bwala said.
“We admit it to the fact that there is insecurity in Nigeria, which we are dealing with.
“The reason is because… I will give you a context. At the UNGA, the Nigerian president was represented by the vice-president, and in the speech, Nigeria took a position of a two-state solution (Israeli-Palestinian conflict).
“We condemned the inhumane treatment in Gaza. Twenty-four hours later, this comedian, Bill Maher, started this campaign of Christian genocide.”
When asked if Nigeria’s position on Gaza triggered the Christian genocide narrative, he replied: “Exactly”.