U.S ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Tag: Sharia Council Reacts

The Kaduna State Chapter of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has strongly criticised the decision of the United States government under President Donald J. Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, by the Council’s Secretary, Engr. Hassan Abdul Rahman, who described the move as “unjust, biased, and reflective of a one-sided narrative.”

According to him, the U.S. decision ignored the complex realities driving insecurity in Nigeria, which, he said, stem from a combination of ethnic, political, and economic issues — not religious persecution.

“The Council is not happy with this development based on unfounded allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Abdul Rahman stated.
“The Trump administration should have sought a balanced view before arriving at such a conclusion.”

He argued that while the U.S. claims to be defending persecuted Christians, available evidence shows that Muslims have also been major victims of terrorist attacks and communal conflicts nationwide.

“By statistics, Muslims are often the greater victims in many of these incidents,” he said.
“Attributing Nigeria’s crises solely to religion oversimplifies the realities and undermines efforts toward unity and peace.”

Abdul Rahman accused Western nations of selective empathy, saying they often amplify incidents involving Christians while downplaying or ignoring similar tragedies affecting Muslims.

“Whenever Muslims are killed, it rarely draws global concern,” he said.
“This double standard only deepens mistrust and alienation among Muslim communities.”

The SCSN also faulted the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for allegedly spreading false narratives that, it claimed, have worsened religious tension.

“To CAN, who started these falsehoods — they must remember that if Nigeria sinks, God forbid, everyone will suffer the consequences — Christians, Muslims, and even pagans,” he warned.

The Council urged Nigerians to reject attempts by foreign powers to divide the country along religious lines and called for unity, understanding, and dialogue to promote national peace.

“We must not allow external forces to tear us apart. Through cooperation and respect for our diversity, Nigeria can overcome its challenges,” Abdul Rahman said.

He further urged the Federal Government to respond more decisively to the U.S. designation, insisting that mere press statements were not enough.

“Our position is clear — we totally reject this decision by the U.S.,” he declared.
“The government must go beyond issuing statements. Stern measures, even up to a review of diplomatic relations, should be considered to show the seriousness of this affront.”