By Khalid Idris Doya
Former Member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State, Hon. Aminu Danmaliki, has rejected claims that Christians are facing genocide in Northern Nigeria, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Danmaliki made the condemnation on Thursday during a press conference while reacting to a report reportedly submitted to the United States President, Donald Trump, by US Congressman Riley M. Moore, which called for the repeal of Shari'a and blasphemy laws in Nigeria under the claim of protecting Christians.
The former lawmaker strongly condemned the move, describing it as a "Callous and mischievous adventure" that should be rejected by Nigerians.
According to him, Nigeria is not experiencing any form of Christian genocide, stressing that the country is instead grappling with a complex security crisis affecting both Muslims and Christians.
Danmaliki, who also holds the traditional title of Danmalikin Bauchi, said several prominent figures and institutions have already rejected the genocide narrative.
These include Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi, the Vatican under Pope Francis, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as well as several traditional rulers and foreign countries.
He said these leaders acknowledge that Nigeria is dealing with a tragic security breakdown rather than a religious extermination campaign. "Nigeria faces a complex and tragic security crisis affecting Muslims to a large extent and Christians alike," he said.
Danmaliki argued that the country's security challenges stem from multiple factors, including the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, rural banditry, kidnapping networks, governance weaknesses, and the proliferation of weapons across the Sahel region.
He claimed that large numbers of Muslim communities have also suffered significant losses during the insurgency, noting that villages have been destroyed, mosques bombed, traditional rulers and Islamic clerics assassinated, and millions displaced across the North-East and North-West.
According to him, portraying the crisis solely as Christian persecution ignores the broader humanitarian tragedy. "American selective outrage that erases Muslim suffering is not justice. It is narrative engineering for undisclosed motives," he said.
Danmaliki also defended Sharia law, arguing that it is widely misunderstood in Western countries. He said Shari'a in Nigeria applies only to Muslims and operates within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution.
The former lawmaker explained that the Constitution allows states to establish Shari'a Courts of First Instance and Sharia Courts of Appeal through legislative approval by state assemblies.
He maintained that non-Muslims are not subjected to Shari'a criminal laws and cannot be compelled to appear before Sharia courts.
According to him, some Christians even voluntarily seek justice in Shari'a courts in civil matters involving Muslims due to quicker procedures, lower costs, and strict anti-corruption practices.
Danmaliki further argued that aspects of Sharia historically influenced the development of some Western legal institutions, citing similarities in contract law, property restoration systems, and jury practices.
He added that Shari'a emphasised justice, mercy, equity, and protection of life, property, dignity, and religion.
The former lawmaker also warned that international pressure to abolish Shari'a law could deepen religious tensions in Nigeria.
He said labeling Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" while demanding the removal of long-standing legal traditions amounts to interference in the country's internal affairs.
Danmaliki stressed that Sharia existed in Northern Nigeria long before the country's 1914 amalgamation and remains a constitutional right for Muslims.
"Nigeria's sovereignty is not negotiable. No foreign government has the mandate to redesign Nigeria’s religious framework or erase centuries-old institutions," he said.
He added that if the United States genuinely intends to help Nigeria, it should focus on supporting security reforms, counter-terrorism financing, intelligence sharing, and measures to curb cross-border arms trafficking.
Danmaliki added that while Nigeria's security crisis is real and the victims numerous, describing the situation as a genocide against Christians is inaccurate.
"Nigeria deserves partnership grounded in truth, not pressure built on selective storytelling," he said.
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