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U.S. Lawmakers Propose Sanctions On 12 Nigerian Governors Over Religious Freedom Concerns

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A major diplomatic row is brewing between Nigeria and the United States as the US Congress considers a bill seeking to impose sanctions on 12 northern governors, traditional rulers, and senior judges accused of complicity in what American lawmakers describe as “Christian genocide” and religious persecution under Nigeria’s Sharia and blasphemy laws.

 

The development follows US President, Donald Trump’s, recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” for alleged systemic violations of religious freedom.

 

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump lamented what he called the “mass killing of Christians” in Nigeria and directed Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate and report back to him immediately.

 

“Thousands of Christians are being killed in Nigeria. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. America cannot fold its hands while these atrocities continue,” Trump said.

 

At the heart of the controversy is a bill titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

 

The bill formally designates Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and seeks direct sanctions against public officials and religious authorities accused of promoting or tolerating attacks on Christians and other religious minorities.

 

Under the proposal, the US Secretary of State would, within 90 days of the bill’s passage, submit a list of Nigerian officials, including governors, judges, and monarchs, who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification.”

 

Those named could face penalties under Executive Order 13818, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, including visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions.

 

Northern States In Focus

 

The bill targets states where Sharia-based penal codes have been enacted, beginning with Zamfara State under then-Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima in 1999.

 

Within two years, 11 other northern states, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe, adopted similar Sharia legal frameworks.

 

The system expanded Sharia’s jurisdiction from personal and family law to criminal and public morality, creating parallel Islamic courts alongside secular ones.

 

In contrast, states like Kwara, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa still operate under conventional law, restricting Sharia to personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, and family disputes.

 

Tensions flared recently when the Supreme Council for Sharia announced plans to set up offices in Oyo and Ogun States, both in southern Nigeria.

 

The announcement triggered public uproar and clashes between Muslim and Christian groups before the council clarified that the move was to establish arbitration panels for Muslim-related disputes, not formal Sharia courts.

 

While defending the bill before the Senate, Senator Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to religious violence and institutionalising discriminatory laws.

 

He said, “Religious persecution and violence against Christians and other minorities in Nigeria is endemic.

 

“Since 2009, over 52,000 Christians have been murdered, 20,000 churches and faith institutions destroyed, and dozens of villages wiped out. The federal and state governments have failed to act, and in many cases, they are complicit.”

 

The senator alleged that the implementation of Sharia law since 2000 had emboldened extremist groups and legalised persecution under the guise of religious morality.

 

The proposed US legislation also criticises Nigeria’s blasphemy provisions, which exist in nearly all northern legal codes.

 

States such as Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Katsina have drawn global attention for issuing death sentences over alleged blasphemy, including cases involving minors and musicians accused of “insulting Islam.”

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert

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Residents of Ibadan, specifically in Bodija, Agbowo, Akobo, and the Agodi GRA, are currently on high alert after the Police and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) issued an urgent warning regarding a recent surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in those areas.

 

According to the DAILY POST, the Bodija Housing Estate Police Division and its community partners have formally expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.

 

In a statement signed by Bodija Housing Estate Police Division PCRC and Community Policing Unit of the division, they noted that there is an increase in the rate of kidnapping and armed robberies in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

The statement urged residents to take necessary safety measures amidst rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities in areas such as Akobo and Bodija.

 

In the statement tagged “Urgent Safety Measures Amid Rising Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Incidents in Areas Including Akobo and Bodija the residents were alerted that the desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts.

 

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the recent increase in criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery across our communities, it has become imperative to issue updated safety guidelines. The desire for quick wealth has driven some individuals to commit terrible acts, and we must all be vigilant.

 

“Please adhere strictly to the following precautions, and also note the additional measures outlined below:

 

“Remember: Your safety and that of your loved ones depend greatly on your level of awareness and willingness to take precautionary steps. Security is a collective responsibility.

 

“Report emergencies promptly to: Oyo State Police Command: control room:08081768614, 08081768574

Bodija Division: DPO +2348052046348; PCRC Helpline/ Chairman – 07068874553”.

 

JomogNews reports that some residents have been in a panic mood as a result of the notice.

 

A resident of Bodija Housing Estate, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the recent happenings necessitated the notice.

 

“The recent happenings necessitated the move. Yes we have to be careful. People now think twice before they go out. We are more security conscious than before,” he said.

 

 

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