Sen. Sulaiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila has accused a United State’ Senator, Ted Cruz of promoting a narrative capable of inflaming tensions and undermine ongoing peace efforts in Nigeria.
Sen. Sumaila in a press statement, he signed, said the narrative being promoted by Sen. Cruz can also encourage external policies that may not reflect Nigeria’s real circumstances.
He said the statement persistently made by the United State’s lawmaker on the current security challenge in Nigeria, is an incitement for conflict and a threat to all Nigerians including Christians.
Sumaila, who represents Kano South senatorial district at the red chamber, explained that Sen. Cruz has persistently promoted a narrative that undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and misrepresents the complex security realities of our nation.
“I feel compelled to address the recent posture and statements by United States Senator Ted Cruz regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the foreign policy decisions surrounding our country’s classification.
“Despite the previous decision by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump to delist Nigeria from the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) category—a decision based on verified progress and strategic diplomatic engagement—Senator Ted Cruz has persistently promoted a narrative that undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and misrepresents the complex security realities of our nation.
“Senator Cruz’s continued campaign to re-label Nigeria appears to be driven not by an objective assessment of the facts, but by a narrative that oversimplifies Nigeria’s security challenges and portrays them primarily through a religious lens. Such an approach ignores the realities on the ground and risks deepening divisions rather than encouraging solutions.
“By presenting Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis which affects Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths alike—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.
“I urge the Christian community in Nigeria and across the world to carefully evaluate the facts and reject narratives that promote division. Genuine friends of Nigeria support peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, interfaith cooperation, and respect for the country’s sovereignty. Any rhetoric that heightens religious polarization ultimately places all Nigerians at greater risk, regardless of faith.
“Nigeria’s security forces, comprising both Christians and Muslims, continue to serve together in the fight against terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, and bandits who indiscriminately attack churches, mosques, markets, schools, and rural communities. Overlooking these shared sacrifices in favour of a divisive political narrative does a disservice to every Nigerian who has suffered from insecurity.
“Nigeria remains a sovereign nation whose strength lies in the unity and resilience of its diverse people. We reject any attempt by foreign political actors to exploit our internal challenges for ideological or political purposes.
“I call on the international community, diplomatic partners, media organisations, and all well-meaning Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity to reject divisive rhetoric and support genuine efforts aimed at promoting peace, national unity, security, and sustainable development.
