On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate rejected claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, describing allegations made by US Senator Ted Cruz and TV host Bill Maher as false, divisive, and harmful to national unity.
The Senate debated a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” agreeing to work closely with the Federal Government on stronger counter-terrorism strategies.
The motion was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamakko, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada. Lawmakers said it aimed to counter dangerous misinformation circulating in international media.
Seconding the motion, Senator Wamakko condemned the genocide narrative as “outright misinformation designed to destroy our nation,” stressing the need for immediate action to halt its spread.
Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) warned that such unfounded claims could damage Nigeria’s foreign relations and inflame sectarian tensions. He highlighted that government officials and leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria are actively involved in security and traditional institutions.
“If the US passes legislation based on these inaccuracies, it could harm both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Parliament must cooperate with the government to ensure the US authorities understand the facts,” Kawu said.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a national review of counter-terrorism measures, urging the Senate to redefine Nigeria’s security approach. “We must understand terrorist strategies, engage the government, and strengthen our counter-terrorism framework,” he stated.
The controversy followed Cruz’s podcast with Maher, in which he claimed Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed.” Maher and commentator Van Jones echoed similar allegations, accusing the government of failing to protect Christian communities.
The Federal Government quickly rejected the claims, clarifying that Nigeria’s security crisis stems from terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religious persecution.
Thursday’s Senate resolution signals a coordinated effort to strengthen counter-terrorism measures and diplomatic engagement to correct what lawmakers called a distorted international narrative. Further debate on the motion has been adjourned to next Tuesday.