Shari’ah Council Rejects US 'Christian Genocide' Claim
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has vehemently rejected claims within a recent United States Congress bill alleging a "Christian genocide" in the country, branding the narrative as both false and dangerous, while also condemning the perceived targeting of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In a formal statement signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council expressed strong disapproval of what it described as the "targeting" of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in connection with these serious allegations.
Complex Challenges Versus Simplistic Narratives
The council asserted that while Nigeria undoubtedly grapples with significant security challenges, including widespread terrorism, banditry, and organised criminal violence, there is absolutely no evidence of a state-sponsored or religiously motivated policy aimed at exterminating Christians. They argued that reducing Nigeria’s intricate security crisis to a "simplistic genocide narrative" is not only profoundly misleading but could also serve to further exacerbate tensions within the diverse nation.
The SCSN voiced considerable concern that legislative and policy positions emanating from abroad appear to be founded upon sensational and unreliable data. This, they suggested, includes media reports that lack a sufficient and nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s complex conflict dynamics.
Calls for Credible Research and Engagement
The council criticised what it termed an over-reliance on unverified commentaries and anecdotal accounts. It strongly argued that grave international decisions, particularly those impacting sovereign nations, ought to be based on robust, credible research and direct engagement with knowledgeable institutions and stakeholders on the ground.
Regarding the reported mention of Kwankwaso in the US legislative process, the SCSN branded it as unjust and selective. They contended that singling out one individual from Nigeria’s broader political class demonstrated clear bias rather than an impartial assessment of the situation.
The council concluded by stating that Nigeria’s more profound challenges stem from pervasive economic hardship and systemic governance failures that have directly fueled widespread poverty and insecurity. They urged international observers and policymakers to concentrate their efforts on these fundamental structural issues, rather than resorting to scapegoating individuals or simplifying complex national problems.
Furthermore, the council suggested that Kwankwaso’s previous opposition to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution might have contributed to what it termed his "targeting" within the US legislative sphere.
(SOURCE: News Report)