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The Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been described as “panicky” following the recent report by certain United States authorities revealing ‘genocide against Christians’ in Nigeria, describing such reports as “false narratives”

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt that the referenced authorities include fiery lawmaker, Senator Ted Cruz.

Another one is American comedian, political commentator, and television host, known for his sharp satire and outspoken views on politics, religion, and culture, Bill Maher.

The third is prominent American political commentator, lawyer, author, and social justice advocate, Van Jones.

Jones is known for his work in criminal justice reform, environmental policy, and media.

What did Senator Ted Cruz say?

Senator Ted Cruz alleged that Nigerian officials are ignoring or facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.

Senator Cruz called it a genocide and proposed sanctions through a new bill.

Ted Cruz’s Allegations

In 2025, Senator Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, which seeks, amongst other things, to:

• Sanction Nigerian officials accused of complicity or negligence in Christian killings.
• Designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom.
• Maintain terror listings for Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.

Cruz stated: “Officials in Nigeria are ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.

“It’s time to hold those responsible accountable”.

He cited reports of renewed Boko Haram violence in Borno State and mass displacement of civilians as evidence of ongoing atrocities.

What Bill Maher Said

Bill Maher had fired a short in Nigeria’s direction.

Maher claimed that Christians in Nigeria are being “systematically killed” in what he described as a genocide attempt.

He also criticized the media and activists for ignoring the crisis.

During a September 2025 episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher”, Maher stated:

“I’m not a Christian, but they are systematically killing the Christians in Nigeria.

“They’ve killed over 100,000 since 2009, they’ve burnt 18,000 churches.

“These are the Islamists—Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza”.

He expressed frustration that this issue hadn’t gained traction among activists or the media.

He said: “If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble”.

Maher’s comments have reignited debate over how international media and advocacy groups portray violence in Nigeria.

They also challenged whether such portrayals help or hinder efforts to address it.

His comments were made during a conversation with Republican Representative Nancy Mace and were reportedly based on figures from a Nigerian NGO, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety).

Intersociety stated that over 125,000 Christians have been killed since 2009.

Van Jones’ Remarks on “killing of Christians in Nigeria”

Van Jones described the media silence on the killing of Christians in Nigeria as “a crime against African people, black people, and human rights”.

Jones, hence, back claims that a planned genocide is underway against Christians in Nigeria.

During the episode of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher”, Van Jones joined Maher in condemning what they described as a systematic campaign to eradicate Christians in Nigeria.

Jones said: “The fact that there’s almost no response from the global left and no attention from mainstream media is a crime against African people, black people, and human rights.

“I agree with that 100%”.

He criticized major networks—including CNN, where he has worked—as complicit in ignoring the crisis.

He suggested that the lack of coverage was deliberate and politically motivated.

Jones comments intensified international scrutiny and reignited debate over how global media and governments respond to religious persecution, especially in Africa.

Both Jones and Maher relied on the Intersociety report that hundreds of thousands of Christians have been massacred.

Maher noted that 18,000 churches have been burned and accused Boko Haram Islamist Jihadists of “planned genocide”.

Their comments were part of a broader critique of Western media’s selective outrage and failure to spotlight African crises.

What did Intersociety report?

In its substantive statement, Intersociety using severally gathered statistics from multiple sources in the past years, pointed fingers on Islamic Jihadists and Jihad enablers.

It stressed that such enablers cut across security, defense and political establishments.

Intersociety stated that “in the past sixteen years or since July 2009, Boko Haram Uprising caused estimated 1200 Christian churches to be razed or sacked on yearly basis, during which 19,100 churches in all were lost, 100 sacked every month and more than three every day.

Citing an Open Doors Report of January 2015, the NGO stated: “Boko Haram Islamic Insurgency of July 2009 to December 2014 (in a period of five years) wantonly destroyed or burned down 13,000 churches and 1500 Christian schools, directly killed between 11,500 and 12,500 Christians and forced over 1.3 million others to flee to avoid being hacked to death or forcefully converted to Islam.”

The report noted: “Razing or sacking of estimated 19,100 Christian churches followed widespread armed religious conflicts showing that apart from estimated 13,000 churches attacked, burned down or destroyed or violently shut down between July 2009 and December 2014, additional 6,100 others are likely to have been lost to the country’s Islamic Jihadists and Jihad enablers since midyear of 2015…

“It is also statistically found that more than 1000 churches (“white clothing churches”) belonging to members of Organization of the African Instituted Churches, a branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and allied others have also been attacked, burned down or sacked.”

Severely affected states include Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Kastina, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, Yobe, Southern Kaduna and Gombe, Intersociety stated.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Parliament recently passed a resolution declaring Nigeria one of the most dangerous places for Christians.

Nigerian Government’s Response

The above remarks have sparked backlash from Nigerian officials and organizations.

The Nigerian government under President Tinubu strongly rejected the claims by Maher and Jones.

Ina statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser on Media  and Public Communication/Spokesperson to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare, called the allegations “false, misleading, and capable of sowing division”.

Mr. Dare emphasized that Nigeria faces terrorism and banditry affecting all faiths.

In the statement, entitled “Debunking The “Genocide” Frenzy By Senator Ted Cruz. Bill Maher. Van Jones. Et Al“, Dare wrote:

“These three above are piling on false narratives. Orchestrating wild allegations about unproven ongoing “Genocide” in Nigeria.

“We disagree. Nigeria must reject this attempt to robe it with a garment that is not hers.”

“Tinubu… the crucible of religious tolerance”

He claimed that Tinubu was “forged in the crucible of religious tolerance and understanding, that of democracy and respect for individual rights and of course modern politics.

“His words and testimony ring out about Nigeria and religious tolerance. Nigeria stands by what their President said.”

Dare itemised what he termed “what we believe” as follows:

1. Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.
   Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.
2. We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together.
   Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.
3. Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength.
   When Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,”
4. Hate is not an option for us. Love is what we preach and we should love one another.

He further quoted Tinubu as saying: “I inherited Islam from my family, and I didn’t change; but my wife is a pastor, and she prays for me.

“No conflicts. ”I have never tried to convince or convert her. I believe in freedom of religion.

“We all pray to and are answerable to the same Almighty God.

“Our love and compassion for others are what truly matter. We must learn to live together as one people.”

Christian genocide “misguided and deeply troubling”

Dare described the recent comments by Maher and Senator Ted Cruz alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as both misguided and deeply troubling coming from these ones who should know better.

“Such narratives, if left unchecked, distort the reality on the ground and risk inflaming tensions in an already fragile region.

“Nigeria is a multi-religious nation founded on principles of freedom of worship, mutual respect, and coexistence.

“Its Constitution guarantees religious liberty for all — Christian, Muslim, or adherent of any other faith — and successive governments have consistently upheld this right.

“What Maher and Cruz have labeled as a “Christian genocide” is, in fact, the brutal wave of terrorism and banditry that Nigeria, like many other nations, continues to battle.

“These acts are carried out by non-state actors — violent extremists and criminal elements — whose objectives have nothing to do with faith or theology but with chaos, profit, and destabilization.

“They target soft civilian populations, attacking churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, schools, and villages indiscriminately.

“Their victims are Nigerians of every religion, ethnicity, and creed.”

‘Misunderstanding and Oversimplifying’

Dare, therefore, kicked against the suggestion that these atrocities amount to a campaign of Christian extermination, describing it as ‘misunderstanding and oversimplifying a complex security challenge’.

He expressed concern that such narrative plays directly into the hands of the terrorists, who thrive on division and global misperception.

“By framing Nigeria’s collective struggle against terrorism as a religious war, such narratives undermine the sacrifices of both Christian and Muslim communities who have stood together in defiance of terror.

“Nigeria’s fight against terrorism is national, not sectarian.

“The government has continuously collaborated with faith leaders across divides — from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs — to strengthen peacebuilding, community dialogue, and counter-extremism initiatives.

“This inclusive approach reflects the reality that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the shared humanity of its people,” Dare noted.

He urged Bill Maher, Senator Cruz, and their co-sojourners to “engage with the facts before amplifying falsehoods that embolden extremists and malign an entire nation.”

According to him, what Nigeria deserves is solidarity in the fight against terror, not careless rhetoric that fuels misunderstanding.

“Nigeria is not witnessing a Christian genocide; it is confronting terrorism that targets everyone,” he concluded.

Similarly, an NGO, Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC Nigeria), labeled Maher’s statements “alarmist” and “agenda-driven”.

MPAC Nigeria argued that more Muslims than Christians have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria.

Context and Controversy

Presently, Nigeria ranks 7th on Open Doors’ World Watch List for Christian persecution.

Open Doors claimed that more Christians are killed in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined.

Critics argue that framing the violence as a religious genocide oversimplifies Nigeria’s multifaceted security crisis.

These include terrorism, banditry, and ethnic clashes.

Nefertiti predicts doom for Tinubu

Interestingly, though, a social media influencer in Nigeria, Nefertiti, predicted doom for the ruling All Progressives Congress in Nigeria (APC) as American authorities throw their hats into the ring.

Taking to “X”, Nefertiti counted other stalwarts, including Andrew Scheer and Pierre Poilievre, among other figures that have spoken out against the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

She wrote:” Dear Nigerians, PAY ATTENTION!

Senator Ted Cruz is no paperweight. The APC should be worried, if they aren’t already.

At the last count, Andrew Scheer, Pierre Poilievre & other influential figures have added their voice to the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The media in America & the UK are awash with the news. And these are early days. Europe & America have caught wind of the situation.

Things are shaping up to become a Global Movement. The APC cannot handle the fire.

Local propagandists are ill-equipped for what’s coming.

As a Nigerian, “do not join Psychos called the APC in calling the Genocide of Christians a propaganda.” Don’t, I BEG YOU.

Allow everything to play out, as they should.

The Christian Nationalism sweeping across Europe & America is political.

It is not a hobby (Trump & Bibi’s Allies) picked up. It goes further than that, & you could benefit from it.

Washington has shifted its focus to Nigeria. They have plans for you, & it’s no longer in the shadows.

The Eye of Sauron is now on Middle-earth. Things are now in motion that cannot be undone.

Trump allies have made up their mind.

“Bobo Chicago is out of favor”

Bobo Chicago is out of favor with Washington. Diplomacy has failed.

That diplomatic row with Washington on Visa Issuance & deportation of migrants to Nigeria added salt to injury.

The White House is about to stage another D-Day landing. This could become a repeat of 2015 CHANGE, & Aso Rock is panicking.

They dispatched lobbyists to D.C more than twelve months ago. That program failed.

Now Bayo Onanuga is on nervous rage, but mice are swimming against tidal current.

The gravitational pull will swallow everything on its path. This is America’s way of forcing Bola’s hand.

He’s been making passive comments about DT & America, & D.C paid attention.

In his trademark braggadocio, he said, & I quote: “I’m standing before you, & I can brag that Nigeria is not borrowing a dime from a local bank.

“We met our revenue target for the whole year, we met it in August. Non-oil revenue.

“If the non-oil revenue is doing well, then we have no fear of whatever Trump is doing.”

Then he doubled down by aligning with the BRICS when Nigeria’s foreign policy position says “unaligned.”

He equally gave shelter to HAMAS leadership some months ago. Washington took note of all of that.

“To whom much is given…”

To whom much is given, much is expected. You don’t bite the finger that fed you in 2015. Now it seems the chickens have come home to roost.

Again, US Embassy in Nigeria found its long-lost voice. Their sudden sense of activism is no coincidence. Then there is the threat of Visa Ban on corrupt Nigerian politicians.

They are all part of the plan. They are levers, America’s way of forcing the government in Nigeria to submission. I can go & on, but I’ll stop here. “Jonathan’s recent revelation on Buhari & the Boko Haram is no happenstance.”

Time & chance happen to them all.

Asiwaju has a choice, & one choice only. Bend the knee (as was the case with the Democrats). Or have his political ambition marooned.

Pawn or patsy, he don’t get to choose. Either way, the coming months are going to he spectacular.

Nigerians, you have a likely ally now, & it’s coming from the least expected.

My advice to you is to milk this. Ride the tide, let the new found agenda by the Right-wing add wind to your sails.

Play nice & be strategic. Allow yourselves be used, FOR THE GLORY OF 2027.”

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