U.S. Congressman Urges Nigerian President to Act on Religious Persecution Allegations
A U.S. Congressman, Bill Huizenga, has called on Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action in response to allegations of attacks on Christians across the country. Huizenga warned that inaction could lead to serious consequences for Nigeria, including repeating the tragedies seen in Rwanda and South Sudan.
During an interview with Arise News in Washington, D.C., released on Tuesday, Huizenga emphasized the urgency of addressing reports of religious persecution. He stated that the Nigerian government must act without delay to prevent further violence and protect all citizens.
“We were too late on Rwanda, we were too late on South Sudan. Let’s not be too late again on this one,” he said.
Huizenga expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” This designation highlights the severity of religious freedom violations in the country. The lawmaker also stressed that he had personally spoken with religious leaders and villagers who described being attacked in their homes and feeling “very much targeted.”
In response to Trump’s claim that Christianity in Nigeria faces an existential threat, Huizenga clarified that he does not foresee a military strike. Instead, he suggested that economic pressure and sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in the violence would be more effective.
“Sanctions can cut off the flow of money and travel. We don’t know who is financing these operations, but targeted economic measures will have a positive impact,” he said.
The Congressman criticized the Nigerian government’s response to the violence as inadequate and dismissive. He pointed out that authorities have largely downplayed the situation, saying, “Their response has largely been, ‘there’s really not a problem.’ Well, I think there is.”
Huizenga warned that the ongoing insecurity is also affecting Nigeria’s economic growth and deterring foreign investment. He explained that when the safety of workers and businesses cannot be guaranteed, it creates significant challenges for the economy.
“When you cannot guarantee the safety of workers or businesses, you have a problem. It is in Nigeria’s best interest to address the root causes of this violence,” the U.S. lawmaker said.
His frustration with the Nigerian authorities led him to introduce new resolutions in the U.S. Congress. Huizenga emphasized the importance of holding Nigeria accountable to prevent further atrocities and ensure that the international community supports efforts to restore peace and security.
Key Points from the Interview
- Urgent Action Needed: Huizenga called on President Tinubu to address the issue of religious persecution immediately.
- Historical Parallels: He warned that Nigeria risks repeating the tragedies of Rwanda and South Sudan if no action is taken.
- Economic Pressure Over Military Action: Huizenga suggested that sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in the violence would be more effective than military intervention.
- Criticism of Government Response: The U.S. Congressman criticized the Nigerian government for downplaying the severity of the situation.
- Impact on Economy: Ongoing violence is undermining Nigeria’s economic growth and deterring foreign investment.
- New Resolutions in Congress: Huizenga introduced new resolutions to hold Nigeria accountable and prevent further atrocities.