Senator Kawu Sumaila Condemns Ted Cruz’s Remarks on Nigeria, Calls for Unity

By Staff Reporter

Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman A. Kawu Sumaila, has criticised recent comments by United States Senator Ted Cruz on Nigeria’s security situation, describing the rhetoric as divisive and capable of worsening tensions in the country.

In a statement, Senator Kawu said despite the decision of the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump to remove Nigeria from the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list following what he described as verified progress and diplomatic engagement, Senator Cruz has continued to push a narrative that misrepresents Nigeria’s security realities and undermines the country’s sovereignty.
He argued that portraying Nigeria’s security challenges mainly as a religious conflict ignores the complex nature of the crisis, stressing that Muslims, Christians and adherents of other faiths have all been affected by terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. According to him, such a narrative could deepen divisions, undermine peace efforts and encourage policies that do not reflect the country’s actual situation.
The lawmaker urged Christians in Nigeria and across the world to reject narratives that promote religious polarisation, noting that members of the country’s security forces from different faiths continue to work together in confronting insecurity. He called on the international community, diplomatic partners, media organisations and Nigerians of all backgrounds to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, national unity, security and sustainable development, while rejecting attempts by foreign political actors to exploit Nigeria’s internal challenges.