US Lawmaker Slams Nigerian Govt For Hiring Lobbyists To Downplay Christian Killings

United States lawmakers have raised alarm over religious freedom in Nigeria during a hearing held on Wednesday in Washington, DC.

The session focused on countries where members of Congress believe religious liberty is under pressure.

Chris Smith, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, quoted reports from Genocide Watch which described Nigeria as “a killing field of defenceless Christians”.

He said a past mistake in US foreign policy had been corrected with the President’s decision to give Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation, and he praised that move.

“That wrong in our foreign policy has been righted with the President’s CPC designation. We commend and thank him for that action,” Smith said.

Although Smith acknowledged the “small steps” by Nigeria to address religious issues, he criticised the country’s recent lobbying efforts in the U.S.

In December, the Nigerian government signed a $9 million contract with DCI Group, a US lobbying firm, to help present its efforts to safeguard Christians to American officials.

Around the same time, Matthew Tonlagha, vice-chairman of Tantita Security Services, secured a $120,000-per-month agreement with Valcour Global Public Strategy, a Washington-based firm, for the “purpose of strengthening the bilateral relationship” between the US and Nigeria.

Smith argued that these contracts proved that “a culture of denial by Nigerian officials persists”.

He expressed concern over the large sums being paid to lobbying firms, saying they were being hired to create polished messages that suggest there is no serious problem.

“I am deeply concerned that Nigeria has hired the K-Street lobbying firm DCI to the tune of $9 million (that’s $750,000 a month) and a Nigerian billionaire has entered into a $120,000-a-month contract with Valcour to influence Congress and the Executive Branch,” he said.

“They hire these firms; they come up with their very well-written talking points to say nothing to see here, and unfortunately, how these firms are just so good at advocating for their client for religious freedom.”

Another lawmaker, Joaquin Castro, questioned whether US military actions in Nigeria last year achieved meaningful results.

Castro accused the Trump administration of claiming it was acting to protect Christians while at the same time reducing aid meant to tackle discrimination against religious groups.

The U.S lawmakers were also divided over Nigeria’s renewed CPC designation.

Some described it as little more than a public rebuke without real penalties, while others said it was useful because it brought fresh attention to the situation in the country.

KanyiDaily recalls that US President Donald Trump warned that America may launch more military strikes in Nigeria if attacks on Christians do not stop.