Destabilizing Nigeria will empower terrorists, says US lawmaker
US lawmaker Riley Moore warns that promoting separatist agendas in Nigeria may exacerbate insecurity and threaten Christians.
US lawmaker Riley Moore has issued a warning that attempts to promote separatist movements within Nigeria could lead to increased insecurity, which would particularly endanger Christian communities both within Nigeria and throughout Africa. Moore's comments were made following a fact-finding mission to the country, where he sought to better understand the challenges and dangers faced by Christians in various regions, especially in the North and Middle Belt areas, where instances of persecution are reportedly severe.
During his visit, Moore engaged with a range of stakeholders, including Nigerian officials, church leaders, humanitarian groups, and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by violence and religious persecution. He emphasized that these discussions allowed him to gain insights into the pervasive issues confronting Christians in Nigeria, despite the complexities of political and ethnic tensions that have been exacerbated by ongoing violence.
Moore also noted that, contrary to some expectations, the topic of dividing Nigeria into separate entities did not surface as a significant point in discussions with local leaders. This observation underlines the complexity of Nigeria's socio-political landscape, where issues of governance, security, and communal relations remain interlinked. The implications of his findings suggest that any form of destabilization could have detrimental effects not only for Nigeria's internal cohesion but also for the broader regional security environment, particularly in regard to combating terrorism and protecting vulnerable populations.