Reps Fault Foreign Criticism on Religious Freedom, Say Nigeria Has Moved Beyond Religious Divide

The House of Representatives has dismissed recent remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz alleging the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, describing such claims as false, misleading, and damaging to the country’s image.

Reacting to the comments, the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, said the statement was part of a broader effort by certain individuals and groups including some Nigerians abroad to demarket the country and undermine its progress in national unity and religious tolerance.

“The main problem here comes from those who deliberately demarket Nigeria outside the country, including Nigerians.

There is an agenda designed to rubbish some of the progress we have made so far,” Ihonvbere said.

He noted that while Nigeria, like many other multi-ethnic societies, occasionally experiences religious tensions, it has made significant strides in fostering coexistence and mutual respect among its diverse faith communities.

According to him, the narrative of religious persecution being pushed by foreign actors does not reflect the current realities in Nigeria, where government at all levels continues to promote interfaith dialogue, inclusion, and equal rights for citizens regardless of belief.

“Today’s Nigeria has grown beyond issues of religion. Our people live, work, and worship together peacefully in most parts of the country. Isolated incidents should not be used to generalize or define us as a nation,” Ihonvbere added.

The House Leader urged the international community to rely on verified information and engage constructively with Nigerian authorities rather than amplifying divisive narratives.

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen national unity, protect human rights, and promote peace and development across all regions of the country.