In a robust rebuttal, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has vehemently dismissed allegations made by US Senator Ted Cruz, who claimed that Nigerian officials are complicit in the mass killing of Christians. Onanuga labeled the accusations as “malicious, contrived lies” aimed at misrepresenting the reality of Nigeria’s security challenges and religious dynamics. The response comes amid growing international attention to Nigeria’s complex security issues, with Onanuga and other Nigerian officials firmly rejecting narratives that frame the country’s conflicts as religious persecution.
Senator Cruz had recently accused Islamist jihadists of perpetrating a “mass murder of Christians” in Nigeria, further alleging that state officials were either ignoring or actively facilitating this violence. To address this, Cruz promoted his proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, a piece of legislation he claims would impose sanctions on Nigerian officials deemed complicit in such acts. The senator’s statements, which gained traction in international discourse, have sparked a sharp reaction from Nigerian authorities, who view them as a distortion of the country’s security and social landscape.
In a direct response posted on X, Onanuga categorically rejected Cruz’s claims, emphasizing that Nigeria is not embroiled in a religious war. He clarified that the country’s security challenges, particularly in the northeast and northwest regions, are driven by terrorism and banditry that target victims indiscriminately, regardless of their religious affiliations. “Senator, stop these malicious, contrived lies against my country. We do not have a religious war in my country,” Onanuga wrote. He pointed out that Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast attack farmers, soldiers, and civilians of all faiths, while bandits in the northwest have been known to kill worshippers even inside mosques. “Christians are not targeted. We have religious harmony in our country. Stop these malicious lies,” he reiterated, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to religious coexistence.
Onanuga’s remarks echo a broader sentiment within the Nigerian government, which has consistently sought to counter narratives that frame the country’s security challenges as religiously motivated. Earlier in the week, President Tinubu himself addressed similar allegations during a speech in Owerri, Imo State. He dismissed claims of religious genocide as baseless, emphasizing Nigeria’s resilience and the absence of any existential threat to any religious group. “Nigeria is built on resilience and faith, with no religion under threat,” Tinubu stated. He highlighted the country’s 65 years of independence, noting that Nigerians have cultivated a culture of valuing and coexisting within their diverse cultural and religious identities.
Nigeria’s security challenges are undeniably complex, involving a mix of insurgent groups like Boko Haram, banditry, and communal conflicts, particularly in the northern regions. Boko Haram, an Islamist militant group, has been responsible for thousands of deaths and displacements in the northeast since its insurgency began in 2009. The group’s attacks have targeted schools, markets, churches, mosques, and military installations, affecting both Christians and Muslims. Similarly, banditry in the northwest has led to widespread violence, including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. These acts of violence, while devastating, are often driven by economic desperation, territorial disputes, or criminal motives rather than religious ideology.
Onanuga’s pushback against Cruz’s allegations reflects a broader concern among Nigerian officials about the international portrayal of the country’s security situation. The narrative of religious persecution, particularly targeting Christians, has been amplified by some Western advocacy groups and politicians, who argue that Nigeria’s government is not doing enough to protect vulnerable communities. However, Nigerian authorities argue that such portrayals oversimplify the situation and ignore the broader context of the country’s challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance in some regions, which fuel insecurity.
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, championed by Cruz, has further heightened tensions. The legislation aims to hold Nigerian officials accountable for alleged complicity in religious violence, potentially through targeted sanctions. Critics of the bill, including Nigerian officials, argue that it risks straining diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States while failing to address the root causes of the country’s security issues. They contend that external interventions, such as sanctions, may not only be ineffective but could also exacerbate tensions in a country already grappling with multiple crises.
Onanuga’s response also highlights Nigeria’s efforts to foster religious harmony. The country, with a population of over 200 million, is roughly evenly split between Muslims and Christians, with a rich tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity. While there have been instances of religious tension, particularly in the northern regions, Nigeria has a long history of interfaith coexistence, with communities often living side by side and intermarrying. The government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith, and has implemented various initiatives to promote dialogue and peacebuilding among religious groups.
President Tinubu’s remarks in Owerri further reinforced this narrative, portraying Nigeria as a nation that has learned to navigate its diversity over decades of independence. He pointed to the resilience of Nigerians in the face of challenges, including economic hardships and security threats, as evidence of the country’s strength. Tinubu’s administration has also prioritized security reforms, including increased funding for the military and police, as well as community-based initiatives to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty and lack of education.
The controversy surrounding Cruz’s allegations underscores the broader challenge of addressing Nigeria’s security issues on the global stage. While international partners, including the United States, have expressed concern about human rights and religious freedom, Nigerian officials argue that such concerns must be grounded in a nuanced understanding of the country’s realities. Mischaracterizing the situation as a religious war, they contend, risks fueling division and undermining efforts to address the underlying drivers of conflict.
Onanuga’s sharp rebuke of Cruz serves as a reminder of the sensitivity of Nigeria’s image on the international stage. For a country striving to assert its sovereignty and address its internal challenges, external critiques that are perceived as inaccurate or inflammatory can provoke strong reactions. As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex security landscape, the government remains focused on countering misinformation and promoting a narrative of unity and resilience. The exchange between Onanuga and Cruz highlights the delicate balance between addressing legitimate concerns about human rights and ensuring that such discussions do not oversimplify or misrepresent the realities of a diverse and multifaceted nation.