A U.S. lawmaker has questioned Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom under President Tinubu.
He said government assurances conflict with troubling cases emerging from parts of northern Nigeria.
A United States lawmaker has taken aim at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, questioning Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and saying government statements do not match developments on the ground. His comments have added to growing international concern about ongoing religious and communal tensions in parts of the country.
Rep. Riley Moore, in a post shared on X, challenged President Tinubu’s earlier assurances that Nigeria does not support or promote religious persecution. Moore said the president’s remarks stand in sharp contrast to certain practices in northern Nigeria, where twelve states operate under Sharia law. He also cited a controversial case involving a Christian farmer reportedly facing a possible death sentence after defending himself against a suspected Fulani militant who allegedly stabbed him several times during a farm dispute.
Moore reposted extracts from President Tinubu’s previous statement on religious freedom. In that statement, the Nigerian leader insisted that describing Nigeria as a country intolerant of religion does not represent its true situation. He said Nigeria has a long history of religious tolerance and that this tradition remains an important part of the nation’s identity. He also stated that the government opposes religious persecution and would never encourage such practices.
However, Moore argued that the president’s comments do not align with the difficult cases currently unfolding in some northern states. He pointed to the prosecution of the Christian farmer as an example that contradicts the government’s claims. According to Moore, the situation illustrates the broader challenges faced by minority groups in regions where religious and ethnic tensions often influence law enforcement and judicial processes.
The U.S. lawmaker’s remarks were part of his appearance on Fox News Sunday, which he later shared online along with his criticism of the Nigerian government. His comments have drawn attention from international observers who continue to monitor clashes between farming communities and armed herder groups, a conflict that has persisted for years and remains one of the most sensitive issues in Nigeria.
Advocates for religious freedom say the case mentioned by Moore reflects deeper problems that require urgent and fair intervention. They warn that unresolved tensions can widen mistrust among communities and intensify existing divisions. As of now, the Nigerian government has not offered a direct response to Moore’s statements, although officials are expected to address the matter as pressure mounts locally and internationally.
