The designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by former US President Donald Trump has been rejected by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), which characterized the action as an attempt to escalate religious tensions and destabilize the nation.
According to reports, the Council stated on Sunday in Abuja that allegations of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria were untrue, driven by politics, and based on propaganda from other countries.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the National Secretary of the Council, emphasized during a media conference that Muslims and Christians face similar security issues that are fueled by terrorism, criminality, injustice, and resource disputes brought on by climate change.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” declared Oloyede. Terrorists and criminal groups target both Muslims and Christians. Islam is not represented by these assailants. They target everyone, murder Muslims, and demolish mosques.
He maintained that there is no proof that the violence in Nigeria satisfies the legal criteria for genocide, according to independent investigations conducted by international conflict monitors like Amnesty International.
The NSCIA maintained that the resurgence of foreign interest in Nigeria’s religious makeup was not accidental.
Oloyede claims that after Nigeria reiterated its support for a two-state solution in Palestine at the UN, attempts to designate the nation as a hotspot for persecution intensified.
He claimed that pro-Israeli organizations and far-right lobbyists were spearheading the narrative to deflect attention away from the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
“The agenda is distraction and destabilization,” Oloyede cautioned. Inflaming religious conflicts is the quickest way to destroy Nigeria.
Nigerians were advised by the Islamic Council to avoid falling for what it called outside attempts to create division between Muslims and Christians.
It urged both religious groups to view Nigeria’s security concerns as a national issue rather than a religious dispute.
“We won’t let foreign interests split Nigeria apart. Oloyede said, “We stand for justice, peace, and unity.”
The group called on the US to withdraw the CPC designation and instead provide Nigeria with logistical and intelligence support to fight terrorism.
It also urged the federal government to step up its efforts to uncover banditry sponsors and defend all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
