The Nigerian Senate on Thursday took a cautious but united stance on rising international concerns linking insecurity in Nigeria to religious persecution, resolving to hold an executive (closed-door) session next Tuesday to craft a coordinated national response.
The move followed a heated yet measured debate on the floor over motions addressing alleged misrepresentations in the United States and Canadian legislatures, which have portrayed attacks in parts of Nigeria as religion-driven.
Senators across party lines agreed that while the issues were too sensitive for open deliberation, Nigeria’s image and dignity must be vigorously defended through diplomacy, intelligence, and strategic engagement.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) noted that the discussion had been exhaustive and that no senator opposed the motion. However, he urged restraint, warning that an open debate on such a delicate issue could inadvertently worsen the situation.
“It is the conviction of this Senate that the insecurity challenge in Nigeria is not religion-driven,” Bamidele said.
“In view of the sensitivity of the issues involved, we will step down further consideration of the motion and its prayers until Tuesday next week, when we can hold an executive session to discuss the matter comprehensively.”
He explained that the executive session would also discuss the forthcoming national security summit and explore the possibility of sending a Senate delegation to engage directly with members of the U.S. Congress, the Canadian Parliament, and other international stakeholders to “present Nigeria’s true picture.”
Seconding the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said the Senate’s unanimity reflected Nigeria’s diversity and the shared commitment of all lawmakers to preserve national cohesion.
“We agree unanimously that the crises in Nigeria are not driven by religion,” Ningi said.
“This matter deserves sober, confidential deliberation to evolve a mechanism that protects the image of our country and prevents any community or faith from being unfairly labeled.”
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) for bringing the motion to the floor and described the Senate’s resolution as a “measured, patriotic step” to balance diplomacy with national interest.
“This Senate believes our security challenges are multifaceted, not religious,” Akpabio said.
“We must develop a coordinated strategy involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, and other stakeholders to correct misinformation and engage the international community responsibly.”
He emphasized that the Senate would not shy away from confronting false narratives but would do so with facts and unity of purpose.
“Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society,” he added. “Our goal is to clear misconceptions without criminalizing any faith or section of our people.”
At the end of the session, the Senate resolved to reconvene behind closed doors on Tuesday to finalize its position, outline diplomatic steps, and issue a formal resolution afterward.
Observers say the Senate’s cautious handling of the issue reflects the delicate balance between national image, security diplomacy, and internal unity, amid growing scrutiny from international rights bodies.