Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the special adviser for information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has firmly dismissed assertions from US senator Ted Cruz suggesting that Nigerian authorities are involved in the widespread slaughter of Christians, labeling the claim as “malicious, contrived lies.”
Cruz had charged Islamist jihadists with carrying out “mass murder of Christians” within Nigeria and claimed that government figures were either overlooking or enabling the brutality. He advocated for his suggested Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, stating that it would apply penalties to officials found to be involved.
In a reply posted on X, Onanuga asserted that Nigeria is not facing any form of religious conflict and highlighted the fact that terrorists and bandits carry out assaults without regard for specific groups.
“Senator, stop these malicious, contrived lies against my country. We do not have a religious war in my country,” he wrote, further explaining that Boko Haram militants operating in the northeast strike at farmers, military personnel, and ordinary people regardless of their beliefs, whereas bandits operating in the northwest slaughter devotees right inside mosques. “Christians are not targeted. We have religious harmony in our country. Stop these malicious lies.”
Just days before, President Tinubu had likewise refuted suggestions of a religious genocide, deeming them entirely unfounded. While addressing an audience in Owerri, located in Imo State, he emphasized that Nigeria stands founded upon endurance and belief, ensuring that no faith faces any peril. He went on to note that, following 65 years since gaining independence, the people of Nigeria have come to appreciate and thrive together amid their varied traditions and spiritual practices.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
