Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, has condemned recent remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz on Nigeria’s security situation, describing them as inflammatory and capable of worsening divisions in the country.
The lawmaker made the remarks in a statement he personally signed on Friday, warning that Cruz’s comments and campaign to have Nigeria redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) could undermine peace efforts, distort the country’s security realities and endanger all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliation.
SolaceBase recalls that Senator Cruz has repeatedly urged the United States government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, arguing that Christians face severe religious persecution in the country.
The Texas Republican has also backed legislative efforts in the U.S. Congress calling for increased pressure on Nigeria over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Kawu Sumaila said although the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously removed Nigeria from the CPC list after what he described as verified progress and diplomatic engagement, Cruz had continued to promote a narrative that undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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According to him, the U.S. senator’s position presents Nigeria’s security challenges almost entirely through a religious lens, despite the fact that insecurity affects Muslims, Christians and adherents of other faiths alike.
“Senator Ted 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,” the statement read.
The senator argued that reducing Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis to a religious conflict creates a distorted international perception of the country and could inflame tensions instead of encouraging lasting solutions.
He further warned that such rhetoric risks undermining ongoing peace initiatives and could influence foreign policies that fail to reflect the realities on the ground.
Kawu Sumaila urged Christians in Nigeria and across the world to critically examine the facts and reject narratives capable of promoting division.
He said genuine friends of Nigeria should support peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, interfaith cooperation and respect for the country’s sovereignty rather than promote narratives that heighten religious polarisation.
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The lawmaker also noted that members of Nigeria’s security agencies, drawn from different religious backgrounds, continue to work together in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and banditry.
“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,” he said.
He added that overlooking the shared sacrifices of security personnel and citizens in favour of divisive political narratives does a disservice to all Nigerians who have suffered from insecurity.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s sovereignty, Kawu Sumaila said the country’s strength lies in the unity and resilience of its diverse population, stressing that attempts by foreign political actors to exploit its internal challenges for ideological or political purposes should be rejected.
He called on the international community, diplomatic partners, media organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that promote peace, national unity, security and sustainable development rather than rhetoric capable of deepening existing divisions.
