The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, has faulted the allegation of genocidal campaigns against Christians in Nigeria, by some American politicians.
This was contained in a statement by the National Amir (President) of the group), Imam Nojeem Jimoh, and sent to The Eagle Online.
The Companion described the allegation as unfounded and sheer ruse, completely bereft of facts.
Imam Jimoh stressed: “We hereby register our strong disapproval of the recent remarks credited, in particular, to the United States Senator Ted Cruz alleging genocidal campaigns against Christians in Nigeria.”
For members of The Companion Muslim group, the allegation is far removed from the Nigerian reality. The Companion reckons that Senator Cruz’s assertions amount to a reckless misrepresentation of the complex security challenges the nation is currently confronting.
“The US lawmaker appears to be acting on a script written by some irredeemable blackmailer or, worse still, indulging in a self-serving escapade aimed at attracting shameful and dirty political gains,” the statement read.
The release emphasised that that there is absolutely no religious dimension to the activities of criminal groups or bandits in Nigeria, noting that victims of the violent attacks cut across all religious and ethnic divides.
The group affirmed that Nigeria is doing fairly well, battling with bandits even as they keep spreading,” adding: “Their mischievous rampage is driven by greed and criminality, not religion. The current reality in Nigeria is far from the conjecture being painted by Senator Ted Cruz.”
The group further cautioned the US Senator against attempting to turn Nigeria into another Gaza through inflammatory rhetoric and divisive narratives.
While noting that the world has become a global village where no nation can hide genocidal activities, it declared that the US will do more for humanity, by restraining herself from the complicit role she is playing with Israel in the genocide against the Palestine in Gaza and the Middle East region in general, where Israel is recklessly attacking sovereign nations at will.
“Senator Cruz and his co-travellers should purge themselves of such dangerous assumptions and avoid stoking religious tension in a country striving to overcome its multifaceted security and developmental challenges,” The Companion warned.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, and interfaith harmony, The Companion requested Senator Cruz and relevant US authorities to share any credible information they possess about the bandits attacking various mineral-rich communities in Nigeria.
