By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—Nigeria’s Senate is set to debate a crucial motion on Tuesday aimed at countering the international narrative that the country is experiencing a “Christian genocide,” insisting that violent crimes are complex, multi-faceted, and affect citizens of all faiths.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported Christian Genocide Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” is sponsored by four All Progressives Congress (APC) senators: Ali Ndume (Borno), Sani Musa (Niger), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto), and Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe).
The legislative action is a direct response to statements by figures like American political commentator Bill Maher, who have alleged that terror groups are waging a systematic genocidal war against Nigeria’s Christian population.
The Senators acknowledged the tragic attacks on Christian communities but firmly argued that framing the security crisis solely through a religious lens risks inflaming sectarian divisions, misguiding international policy, and undermining national unity.
A draft of the motion emphasized that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation where security challenges—including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts—are rooted in socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal dynamics that transcend religious boundaries. They noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens.
The core demand of the sponsors is for the Federal Government to ensure justice and accountability for all victims of violent attacks whether Christian, Muslim, or otherwise to end impunity and restore public confidence in state institutions.
To address the spread of misinformation and promote national cohesion, the motion urges the Senate to adopt several key measures:
- Reject Blanket Characterization: Formally reject the “Christian genocide” label and recognize the conflicts’ criminal and socio-economic origins.
- Provide Facts: Call on the Federal Government to immediately release accurate casualty figures, context, and investigative outcomes to counter global and domestic misinformation.
- Advise International Partners: Advise diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy, and international organizations to rely strictly on verified and credible sources when reporting on religiously sensitive issues.
- Promote Restraint: Encourage religious leaders, civil society, and the media to avoid language that could further inflame sectarian tensions.
- Coordinate Strategy: Mandate relevant Senate committees to develop a national communications strategy and support interfaith peace-building programs that highlight shared victimhood and national unity.
The upcoming debate is expected to reinforce the Senate’s commitment to responsible governance and accurate communication regarding the nation’s complex security landscape.