An elder statesman, Alhaji Isa Folorunso Mustapha, has called on the United States government to publicly apologise to Nigeria over its recent “genocide” remark alleging that Christians are being systematically killed in the country.
Mustapha described the statement as false, divisive, and an attempt to blackmail Nigeria before the international community. He challenged the American government to publish a verified list of Christian victims and locations of such alleged killings if its claims were true.
Addressing the U.S. Congress, the elder statesman noted that Nigeria remains a deeply integrated and polygamous society where interfaith marriages between Muslims and Christians are common.
He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s marriage to a Christian pastor as an example of Nigeria’s longstanding religious tolerance and unity.
“The history of marriage between Muslims and Christians, including adherents of other religions, dates back over a century in Nigeria. This is the beauty of our peaceful coexistence,” Mustapha said in a statement issued in Kaduna on Wednesday.
He condemned the American legislator behind the genocide allegation, describing it as a dangerous narrative capable of inciting division among Nigerians.
Mustapha urged Washington to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian government and people, while also warning Nigerians allegedly aiding such narratives abroad to desist from acts of national sabotage.
Commenting on local issues, he dismissed those agitating for the release of separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu as “uninformed,” insisting that Kanu’s actions posed a threat to Nigeria’s unity.
Reaffirming that the country’s oneness is “non-negotiable,” Mustapha called on citizens to stand united against external attempts to sow discord.
He also commended the Nigerian Senate for swiftly setting up a 12-member ad hoc committee to examine and advise on the growing international concerns over alleged religious persecution in the country.
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