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Cruz Bill Aims To Hold Nigerian Officials, 12 States Accountable For Religious Violence

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United States Senator Ted Cruz has called on the White House to impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian government officials and 12 state governments that enforce Sharia and blasphemy laws, saying these laws are being used to persecute Christians in the country.

 

Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Senator Cruz praised President Donald Trump for reinstating Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), a classification used by the U.S. State Department to identify nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

 

The designation, which had been removed under President Joe Biden, was restored last week following growing pressure from religious freedom advocates and conservative lawmakers in the U.S.

 

Cruz, a long-time critic of the Biden administration’s foreign policy on religious rights, said the previous government “turned a blind eye” to what he described as the mass killing of Christians by extremist groups in northern Nigeria.

 

“Unfortunately, Joe Biden came into office and immediately removed Nigeria from the list,” Cruz said.

 

“He lifted pressure, ended sanctions, and looked away while radical terrorists continued slaughtering Christians.”

 

He added that President Trump’s renewed action was both “necessary and moral.”

 

“When President Trump was re-elected, I led efforts urging him to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Last Friday, he did, and it was absolutely the right thing to do.”

 

Senator Cruz revealed he has introduced new legislation that seeks to impose visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions on Nigerian officials and state governments accused of enforcing laws that infringe on religious freedom.

 

“I’ve introduced a bill that would sanction those responsible for facilitating or condoning these mass atrocities,” he said.

 

“Twelve Nigerian states enforce Sharia law and blasphemy laws. These are being used to persecute Christians, and the officials involved are complicit.”

 

Cruz urged the White House to use America’s “full range of sanctioning tools” to pressure the Nigerian authorities to halt religious persecution.

 

“These actions are not about punishing Nigeria, they’re about incentivizing change and protecting innocent lives,” he said.

 

The renewed push for sanctions follows President Trump’s recent comments warning that the U.S. “will not stand by while Christians are being killed” in Nigeria.

 

In a statement released by the White House, Trump reaffirmed that Nigeria has officially been placed on the CPC list and warned that Washington could cut aid or take military action if the violence continues.

 

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said. “Thousands are being killed by radical Islamists. The United States will not tolerate these atrocities.”

 

He also called on congressional leaders, including Rep. Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, to immediately review U.S. aid to Nigeria and report back with recommendations.

 

“The U.S. is willing and able to defend religious minorities. The killing of Christians will not continue under our watch,” Trump added.

 

The Nigerian government has dismissed the U.S. allegations, saying they are based on misinformation and political bias. Officials in Abuja insist that ongoing violence in parts of the country stems from criminality, ethnic clashes, and banditry, not religious persecution.

 

“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and protects all faiths,” a government spokesperson said earlier. “The suggestion that there is a campaign of Christian genocide is both inaccurate and unfair.”

 

Nigeria was first designated as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 during President Trump’s first term, due to reports of rising attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

 

The designation was removed under President Biden in 2021 amid diplomatic engagements with Abuja.

 

Human rights groups and international observers have continued to warn of deteriorating security conditions in northern Nigeria, where thousands have been killed or displaced in attacks by armed groups.

 

Cruz’s proposed sanctions, if enacted, could mark one of the most significant escalations in U.S.-Nigeria relations in years.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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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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