A United States senator, Ted Cruz, has sponsored a bill to sanction individuals and government officials involved in enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria, following allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in the country.
Cruz, in a statement issued Friday after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said he had introduced legislation to strengthen the U.S. government’s stance and hold those responsible for alleged religious oppression accountable.
He said: “I am deeply pleased with President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the massacre and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year I introduced legislation that will secure the designation made today.”
According to him, the bill would strengthen measures against Nigerian officials accused of fostering an environment in which Christians face targeted violence and discrimination.
“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an enabling environment for outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional measures, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures,” he said.
Cruz also praised President Trump’s leadership, saying, “President Trump’s decision today is excellent and I thank him for his strong leadership.”
Trump’s statement came after he claimed that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to Christianity.
He warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities occur” and called for immediate investigations and political action.
However, both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Presidency have dismissed the accusations of Christian genocide.
While CAN described the reports as false narratives spread by foreign agents, the Presidency insisted that there is no religious war in the country.
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