Dare Babalola
Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has linked recent claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria to the country’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Speaking on France24 TV, Bwala said the narrative was influenced by Nigeria’s statement at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) delivered by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
“Exactly. Twenty-four hours after Nigeria condemned the inhumane treatment in Gaza and advocated for a two-state solution, this comedian, Bill Maher, started this campaign of Christian genocide,” Bwala stated.
He described the allegations as a “cooked-up narrative by the West because they see that we are making gains with the economy” and emphasized that they rely on a report by Intersociety, which he claimed contains multiple “contradictions.”
Bwala acknowledged the security challenges facing Nigeria but stressed that these issues are being addressed by the government.
“We admit there is insecurity in Nigeria, which we are dealing with,” he said.
He added that those differentiating victims of insecurity based on religion want to create religious war, warning that, “We strongly object to the notion that there is systematic genocide in Nigeria.”
The presidential aide noted that certain US political figures, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Riley Moore, have amplified these claims, urging diplomatic action against Nigeria.
Bwala insisted that these positions overlook the broader context of Nigeria’s foreign policy stance and domestic security efforts.
The adviser also noted that Nigeria’s position on Gaza, as articulated at UNGA, sought a peaceful resolution through a two-state solution, emphasizing that Nigeria spoke as a neutral party advocating for human rights and dignity.
“From our perspective, the Christian genocide narrative is less about facts on the ground and more about political posturing in response to Nigeria’s independent foreign policy,” Bwala concluded.
The controversy began when Bill Maher accused Western media and governments of ignoring what he described as a “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria.
Senator Ted Cruz echoed similar sentiments, citing a rising number of attacks against Christians in Nigeria’s troubled regions.
The claims have sparked a heated debate, with some international advocacy groups and religious organizations supporting the allegations, while the Nigerian government and lawmakers vehemently deny them.
