Genocide Allegations: Agbonayinma Urges Stronger Diplomatic Engagement with U.S.

By our Correspondent

Federal Commissioner of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a more assertive diplomatic approach in responding to allegations of genocide against Nigeria, urging stronger engagement with the United States Congress to counter what he described as “false and misleading narratives.

Speaking on TVC This Morning, Agbonayinma dismissed claims implicating the Nigerian government in mass killings, emphasizing that the ongoing crises in certain parts of the country have affected both Christians and Muslims.

“I do not believe the government is involved in any genocide. That is far from the truth,” he said. “Yes, people have been killed—Christians have been killed, Muslims have been killed—but to generalize that the Nigerian government is behind such acts is false and dangerous.”

He expressed disappointment over what he termed one-sided presentations made before U.S. lawmakers, particularly Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Christopher Smith, and urged Nigerian diplomats to defend the nation’s image more effectively.

“Do we even have the right people in Washington, D.C.? What is our Foreign Affairs Ministry doing?” he asked. “I remember meeting Congressman Christopher Smith, then Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He asked me, ‘Do you have an ambassador here?’ and I was shocked. That tells you the kind of diplomatic gap we have allowed to exist.”

Recalling his previous collaboration with members of the U.S. Congress, Agbonayinma noted that he had worked on a Nigeria–U.S. Congressional Agenda approved by the U.S. Congress to strengthen bilateral relations in areas such as security, education, and development.

“That document was meant to help both nations work together, but we failed to follow it through. Now, those spreading distorted stories abroad are filling the gap we left,” he lamented.

Sympathizing with families affected by violence across the country, Agbonayinma cautioned against religious divisions.

“No one should rejoice over the loss of lives. Every soul matters,” he said. “Whether Christian or Muslim, child or woman, it is painful. But we must not allow outsiders to divide us. We are one family—one Nigeria.”

He further urged religious and community leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and Muslim leaders, to unite in promoting peace and national cohesion.

“If this country collapses, it affects everyone—Christians, Muslims, rich, and poor alike,” he warned.

The CCB Commissioner also stressed the need for justice, insisting that those responsible for violence must be held accountable regardless of their status or faith.

“Anyone found guilty of committing these atrocities must be brought to book. That is what justice means. That is what the United States itself stands for,” he stated.

Agbonayinma concluded by urging the Federal Government to take control of Nigeria’s narrative on the global stage.

“We must tell our story ourselves,” he said. “Others have already told theirs. If we remain silent, falsehood will become truth. It is time for the Nigerian government to engage diplomatically and set the record straight.”