US Congressman Accuses Kwankwaso of Complicity in Christian Persecution

US Congressman Accuses Kwankwaso of Complicity in Christian Persecution

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has accused former Kano State governor and 2023 Nigerian presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, of contributing to the persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria. Moore linked Kwankwaso’s introduction of Sharia law during his tenure to decades of religious tension and discrimination in the region.

The accusation came in response to Kwankwaso’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter), where he reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”—a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

In his post, Kwankwaso urged calm and diplomatic engagement, warning that Trump’s remarks could deepen divisions. He emphasized that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges are not rooted in religion, ethnicity, or politics, and called for international support through technology and intelligence—not threats.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country,” Kwankwaso wrote. “The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs. The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.”

He also advised the Nigerian government to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Washington by appointing special envoys and permanent ambassadors to foster constructive dialogue and protect national interests.

Moore’s response was swift and pointed. In a post on X, he challenged Kwankwaso’s credibility on matters of religious tolerance, accusing him of historical responsibility for Christian persecution. “Governor, do you care to comment on your own complicity in the death of Christians? You instituted Sharia law. You signed the law that makes so-called blasphemy punishable by death,” Moore wrote.

He attached a BBC News report from November 26, 2000, which detailed Kano’s formal adoption of full Sharia law under Kwankwaso’s administration. The report noted that the move followed pressure from religious leaders and northern politicians, and introduced harsh penalties, including stoning and amputation, for offences such as adultery, theft, and blasphemy. The decision sparked concern among non-Muslim communities about potential persecution.

Moore’s remarks came shortly after Trump reiterated Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing ongoing attacks on Christians and religious minorities. Trump warned that the U.S. “will not ignore genocide,” and hinted at possible diplomatic or military action if the Nigerian government fails to address the crisis.

Kwankwaso has not directly responded to Moore’s allegations. However, in his earlier post, he called for unity and restraint. “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he said. “God bless Nigeria.”

Trump’s move marks a return to a policy first introduced during his presidency in 2020, later reversed by the Biden administration. It comes amid renewed reports of violence, abductions, and displacement of Christians in Nigeria’s northern and central regions—raising fresh concerns about religious freedom and government accountability.

The controversy has reignited global attention on Nigeria’s complex intersection of religion, politics, and human rights. Analysts note that Moore’s accusations revive longstanding grievances from the era of Sharia expansion, while also reflecting Washington’s increasingly critical stance toward Abuja’s handling of internal security and religious tensions.

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