The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria has condemned the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern.”
It described the move as biased, saying insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians alike.
The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State Chapter, has strongly criticized the United States government’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Great Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the move as unfair, biased, and misleading.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the Council’s Secretary, Engineer Hassan Abdul Rahman, faulted the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump for promoting what he called a one-sided narrative that ignores Nigeria’s complex security situation.
“The Council is not happy with this development on allegations regarding Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman said. “The Trump administration should have sought a balanced perspective on the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
He argued that the country’s insecurity stems from a mix of ethnic, political, and economic problems rather than a deliberate religious campaign against Christians. “By statistics, it’s clear that Muslims are mostly the victims in various instances,” he stated. “Attributing these tensions solely to religious motivations oversimplifies the realities on the ground and undermines efforts toward unity and peace.”
Abdul Rahman accused Western countries of showing selective concern by reacting strongly only when Christians are attacked while downplaying violence against Muslims. “Wherever Muslims are killed, it doesn’t concern the West or the U.S. They always highlight issues affecting Christians while remaining silent on violence against Muslims,” he said.
The Council also criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for allegedly spreading false claims that deepen divisions. “To CAN, who initiated these lies, they should know that when Nigeria sinks, may Allah forbid, it’s all of us that will bear the brunt,” Abdul Rahman warned.
He urged Nigerians to resist what he described as foreign attempts to sow religious discord and instead promote unity, dialogue, and mutual understanding. “Let us not allow foreign lies to divide us. Through understanding and cooperation, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and build a peaceful future for all,” he said.
The Council further called on the federal government to take firm diplomatic steps in response to the U.S. designation, saying mere statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would not be enough. “The government must act decisively, even if it means cutting diplomatic ties, to show the seriousness of this issue,” Abdul Rahman added.
The U.S. classification, announced after Trump’s recent comments threatening to intervene over the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria, has continued to stir strong reactions across the country.
