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 characterizes 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, politically driven, and based on propaganda from other countries.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the National Secretary of the Council, emphasized during a media conference that terrorism, criminality, injustice, and resource conflicts spurred by climate change are the same security issues that affect both Muslims and Christians.
“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” said Oloyede. Terrorists and criminal groups target both Christians and Muslims. Islam is not represented by these attackers. They target everyone, slaughter 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, such as Amnesty International.
According to the NSCIA, 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 country 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 situation in Gaza.
“The agenda is distraction and destabilization,” cautioned Oloyede. Inflaming religious divisions is the quickest way to destabilize Nigeria.
Nigerians were advised by the Islamic Council to avoid falling for what it described as outside attempts to create division between Muslims and Christians.
It urged both religious groups to view Nigeria’s security concerns as a common national issue rather than a religious dispute.
“Nigeria will not be divided by foreign interests. Oloyede proclaimed, “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 help in its fight against terrorism.
It also urged the federal government to step up efforts to uncover banditry sponsors and defend all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
