Stephen Enoch
Stakeholders in Kano have called for evidence-based responses to counter growing false narratives about religious persecution in northern Nigeria.
The call was made on Monday during a high-level roundtable discussion held at the Aminu Kano Center for Democratic Studies, Mambayya House, Gwamaja, Kano.
It focused on addressing misconceptions about religious freedom and the enforcement of anti-blasphemy laws in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial district, stated that some members of the United States Congress had proposed sanctions against some Nigerian states and officials, alleging persecution of Christians.
He explained that the Nigerian parliament had already dismissed these claims as baseless, noting that reliable data is currently being compiled to challenge the accusations.
“When the data is enriched and ready, it will be presented to the U.S. Congress to dispel these wrong narratives,” Sumaila said.
He also called on governors of the affected states to speak out and defend their records, emphasizing that silence could be misinterpreted as admission.
“In my constituency alone, there are over 250 churches where Christians worship peacefully without any form of discrimination,” he added.
In his remarks, Professor Habu Mohammed, Director of Mambayya House, highlighted the need for a systematic and timely response to such sensitive allegations.
He noted that global policy makers often misrepresent Nigeria’s religious dynamics, creating tension and misunderstanding within communities.
According to him, coordinated efforts are needed to set the record straight.
“We must take a collective stand on these issues because external actors often manipulate religious matters to weaken our social cohesion,” he said.
Professor Salisu Shehu, the key discussant, stressed that discussions around false religious persecution should have begun long ago.
He warned that failure to document facts allows misinformation to thrive internationally.
“Unless we document issues like these and put the right information out there, the wrong narratives will continue to dominate.
“The claim that Muslims are aggressors and Christians are victims is false and unfairly portrays Muslims in a negative light,” Prof. Shehu said.
He urged Mambayya House to compile its findings into a book for public access, to help correct distorted global perceptions of Nigeria’s interfaith relations.
Chairman of the event, Professor Gidado Mukhtar, reiterated the importance of owning and controlling Nigeria’s narratives.
He argued that leaving the global media space unchallenged allows foreign interests to define Nigeria’s story.
“If we do not control our narratives, the West will say whatever they like, and the world will believe them,” Prof. Mukhtar warned.
