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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The senator representing Kano South, Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, has criticised United States senator, Ted Cruz, over his comments on Nigeria’s security situation, accusing the American lawmaker of promoting a divisive narrative that could inflame religious tensions and undermine the country’s sovereignty.
In a statement released on Friday, Sumaila said Cruz’s continued advocacy for Nigeria to be redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) was based on a distorted portrayal of the country’s security challenges as primarily religious, rather than acknowledging their complex nature.
According to him, Nigeria’s security crisis affects citizens of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds, with terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and insurgents attacking churches, mosques, schools, markets and rural communities indiscriminately.
He argued that reducing the conflict to a religious issue risks creating false international perceptions, deepening divisions within the country and undermining ongoing efforts to restore peace.
“By presenting Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis as a purely religious conflict, Senator Cruz contributes to a distorted international perception of the country. This narrative has the potential to inflame tensions, undermine ongoing peace efforts and encourage external policies that may not reflect Nigeria’s actual circumstances,” the statement said.
Sumaila also defended Nigeria’s security agencies, noting that Christian and Muslim personnel continue to work side by side in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
He said overlooking the sacrifices of security personnel and victims from all religious backgrounds in favour of what he described as a divisive political narrative would do a disservice to Nigerians affected by insecurity.
The lawmaker urged Christians in Nigeria and across the world to reject narratives capable of promoting religious division, insisting that genuine partners of Nigeria should support peace, reconciliation, interfaith cooperation and sustainable development.
He further maintained that Nigeria remained a sovereign nation whose internal challenges should not be exploited by foreign political actors for ideological or political purposes.
Sumaila called on the international community, diplomatic partners, media organisations and Nigerians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to support efforts aimed at promoting national unity, security, peace and sustainable development rather than rhetoric capable of worsening existing tensions.
He also referenced the decision of the administration of former United States President Donald Trump to remove Nigeria from the CPC designation, arguing that the move reflected progress made by the country and diplomatic engagement at the time.
