Senate dismisses ‘Christian genocide’ claim

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the claims of  a ‘Christian genocide’ made by US Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher.

The senate on Thursday, stated that the claims are false, emphasising the need to correct such misconceptions about the country.

The Lawmakers also debated a motion which was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities”.

Senator Magatakarda Wamakko also supported the motion, stating that the narrative is aimed at destroying the country.

“This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue,” he said.

Senator Sumaila Kawu also spoke on how such claims and allegations could affect Nigeria’s international relations in a negative way.

“It is very common knowledge to us that nobody is supporting any act of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing its best to make sure we are living in a conducive atmosphere. Some of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in my own state are members of the security council and traditional institutions. If they pass the bill in the US, it will be dangerous to us, both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. I am seriously worried that the US Congress or a ranking US senator will come up with a very uninformed position. As a parliament, we must join hands with our government to inform the US government and the US parliament that the position they are taking is not in tandem with what is going on,” he said.