US BILL LABELING CHRISTIAN ‘GENOCIDE’ STIRS FIERCE NIGERIAN BACKLASH

On October 8, 2025, Nigeria’s House of Representatives unanimously condemned a US Senate bill alleging a “genocide” of 62,000 Christians since 2009, calling it a “misguided narrative” that threatens diplomatic relations. Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz as the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, the bill seeks to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and sanction officials for alleged state-supported persecution. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu labeled the claims “unfounded,” arguing that banditry and insurgency, not religious targeting, drive insecurity.The House instructed its Foreign Affairs and Security committees to lodge a protest via Nigeria’s US embassy within 21 days. The Christian Association of Nigeria rejected the “genocide” tag but urged deeper investigation into Northern attacks. Social media under #NigeriaSecurity exploded, with users decrying US interference while others cited 2,266 deaths in 2025 (NHRC data). Tinubu’s aide Sunday Dare accused Cruz of “spreading lies.”Rooted in Boko Haram’s violence (35,000 killed since 2009), the bill risks disrupting $1 billion in US aid and Nigeria’s $42 billion reserves. Analysts warn sanctions could isolate Nigeria globally, while Kalu reaffirmed religious freedoms. The controversy tests Nigeria’s diplomatic clout and internal cohesion, demanding urgent dialogue to prevent escalation.