Sen.Ted Cruz’s Anti-Nigeria Rhetoric, An Incitement For Conflict,Threat To Nigerians – Sen.Kawu Sumaila
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District in the National Assembly,Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila,has rejected the recent posture and statements by United States Senator Ted Cruz regarding the security situation in Nigeria and the foreign policy decisions surrounding the country’s classification.
Sen.Sumaila,in a statement circulated to journalists on Friday, said Sen.Cruz’s remarks have the potential to inflame tensions in the country.
He said the narratives could also undermine ongoing peace efforts and encourage external policies that may not reflect Nigeria’s actual circumstances.
“We 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,” he said.
Sumaila said 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 religious lens.
He said such 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,” he stated.
He urged 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,” the lawmaker said.
He noted that 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 overlooking these shared sacrifices in favour of a divisive political narrative does a disservice to every Nigerian who has suffered from insecurity.
Sen.Sumaila said Nigeria remains a sovereign nation whose strength lies in the unity and resilience of its diverse people, adding that,”we reject any attempt by foreign political actors to exploit our internal challenges for ideological or political purposes.”
“We 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,” the statement added.