…Slams FG over $9m lobbying deal
United States (U.S) Representative Riley Moore has warned that encouraging separatist agendas in Nigeria could worsen insecurity and expose Christians, particularly in the North and Middle-Belt, to greater danger.
Moore gave the warning yesterday, in a statement posted on his official X account after a fact-finding visit to Nigeria to assess reports of Christian persecution. He said he met with government officials, church leaders, humanitarian organisations and internally displaced persons across the country. “I have travelled to Nigeria and engaged in multiple high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, the Church, aid groups and IDPs to better understand the persecution of Christians in Nigeria”, he stated.
According to Moore, discussions about dividing Nigeria did not arise in any serious form during his engagements, warning that such moves would only fuel instability. “Efforts to embolden separatists hurt Christians in Nigeria- especially in the North and Middle-Belt. A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe”, he said.
The lawmaker also highlighted a recent security cooperation agreement between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a key step towards addressing violence and strengthening bilateral relations.
Moore said he met with Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, during the visit, noting that their discussion focused on enhancing cooperation to protect vulnerable communities in the Middle-Belt.
Meanwhile, concerns over religious freedom in Nigeria resurfaced at a congressional hearing in Washington, DC, where US lawmakers criticised Nigeria’s reported $9m lobbying contract aimed at influencing perceptions of Christian persecution.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Chris Smith, described Nigeria as “a killing field of defenceless Christians,” citing Genocide Watch, while faulting what he called a “culture of denial” by Nigerian officials.
Smith criticised the reported engagement of DCI Group under a $9m contract to lobby US officials, arguing that such efforts downplayed the scale of violence.
Another lawmaker, Joaquin Castro, also questioned previous US actions on Nigeria, describing some measures as largely symbolic.
Moore reaffirmed his commitment to supporting all Nigerians affected by terrorism, saying efforts to stabilise the country remained crucial to regional security.
