The Digest:
In a decisive move to counter a damaging international narrative, the Nigerian Senate is preparing to directly engage US lawmakers. According to Premium Times, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced plans to form a delegation to the US Congress to refute a bill alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria, arguing the nation's security crisis is driven by terrorism, not religion.
Key Points:
- The Nigerian Senate will form an ad-hoc committee to engage the US Congress.
- The move responds to a US bill seeking to label Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern."
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated terrorism, not religion, is the core issue.
- He argued that sanctions would breed poverty that "knows no religion."
- The US bill, sponsored by Ted Cruz, mandates sanctions for blasphemy law enforcement.
- Akpabio cited violence in the South-East as evidence of non-religious motives.
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim called for a complete review of Nigeria's counterterrorism strategy.
Sources: Premium Times
