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United States Congressman Riley Moore has criticized Bola Ahmed Tinubu over claims regarding religious persecution in the country.
Tinubu had previously responded to allegations of Christian genocide, saying, “Characterizing Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Religious freedom and tolerance have always been central to our collective identity. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Moore rejected Tinubu’s claims, saying, “There is serious persecution happening in Nigeria.” He added that, while Tinubu may be trying to protect his own interests, the government is at least partly complicit in downplaying the crisis.
He shared a video of his interview on Fox News Sunday on his verified X account, in which he highlighted that 12 states in Nigeria have Sharia law, under which people currently face the death penalty.
Moore specifically referenced a case of a Christian man, Mr. Sunday Jackson, who is being held in prison for defending himself from an attack by a Muslim militant from the Fulani tribe.
He also addressed reports that attacks in Nigeria are not limited to Christians. While some Muslims have been targeted, the facts on the ground show that Christians are killed at a rate of five to one compared to other religious groups.
Moore concluded by saying that the United States has a responsibility to stand up for persecuted people in Nigeria.
He explained that the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” gives the President access to 15 tools, including sanctions, withholding aid, and restricting financing from international institutions.
He added that all options are on the table, including the possibility of military action, to ensure that the persecution of Christians is addressed.
.@officialABAT claims his government opposes religious persecution.
But 12 states have Sharia law, and a Christian faces the death penalty for defending his farm from a Muslim Fulani militant who stabbed him repeatedly.
