US Congressman Bill Huizenga has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigerian government is not doing enough to address ongoing killings and religious-targeted violence across the country.
Huizenga made the remarks while testifying before the US House Subcommittee on Africa, during a review of Nigeria’s possible redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations and insecurity.
“Tinubu Government Is Not Doing Enough” — Huizenga
In his testimony, the lawmaker expressed frustration over what he described as the Nigerian government’s weak response to attacks carried out by extremist groups.
“It ought to be outrageous that it is Christians, moderate Muslims, and anyone being terrorised by these radicalised Islamists in Nigeria, and we’ve got the Tinubu government sitting back and not doing enough,” Huizenga said.
He revealed that during a recent interview with Nigerian television, he was asked whether the Tinubu administration was doing enough to curb insecurity:
“I had to answer, ‘No, they are not.’”
Congressman Accuses Nigerian Delegation of Downplaying Crisis
Huizenga also criticised Nigeria’s delegation to Washington, accusing them of downplaying the severity of the killings.
“I do not understand how a delegation can come here to the United States and downplay and come up with excuses as to why this is allowed to happen. It should be rejected and called out for what it is.”
Media and Lawmakers Faulted for Minimising the Crisis
The Congressman further faulted both the international media and some US lawmakers for ignoring or reducing the seriousness of the violence in Nigeria.
“We’ve got people within Congress denying this is happening, or certainly de-emphasising it,” he said.
Huizenga noted that the crisis is well-known among Americans with ties to Nigeria, including former classmates and neighbours with family in the country.
Reference to 2023 Christmas Eve Killings
The lawmaker referenced the Christmas Eve 2023 attacks that killed nearly 200 people, describing the incident as proof that Nigeria’s security situation has not improved.
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