Riley Moore, a member of the house of representatives in the United States, has said efforts to embolden separatists pushing for secession from Nigeria would only hurt Christians, especially in the North and Middle Belt.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that Moore visited Nigeria in December to investigate alleged Christian genocide claims, meeting with officials, aid groups, and internally displaced persons.
During his trip, the lawmaker met with Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA).
He also visited Benue state, where he met with Hyacinth Alia, the governor, religious and traditional rulers, aid groups, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“In my discussions, the idea of dividing the country has not come up in any serious way,” Moore said in a tweet on Saturday.
“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 in Nigeria and across the continent.”
Meanwhile, Moore’s comments come amid lobbying efforts by Biafra separatist groups, including a $66,000 monthly contract with Washington & Madison to push for US engagement with a potential Biafran administration.
The Nigerian government has also hired lobbyists to communicate its efforts to protect Christians.
Of recent, the US and Nigeria have entered a security cooperation agreement, seen as a step towards tackling violence and strengthening bilateral relations.
