Ndume Describes US Bill Proposing Sanctions Against Kwankwaso as 'Fishy' and Surprising
Senator Ali Ndume has characterized a bill introduced in the United States Congress that seeks to impose sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as 'fishy' and expressed his astonishment at the development. The lawmaker, representing Borno South, made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, where he questioned the rationale behind singling out Kwankwaso in the proposed legislation.
Questioning the Inclusion of Kwankwaso's Name
"I am surprised that Kwankwaso's name was mentioned, and I want to know why and how he got mentioned," Ndume stated. He elaborated further, suggesting that the focus on Kwankwaso alone raises suspicions. "For them to mention just Kwankwaso, a former governor, something must be fishy somewhere. Perhaps there is intelligence and information available to others that some of us aren't aware of. I don't want to go too deeply into that, but in my view, the asset freezes and sanctions proposed by the UK, America, and other developed countries are misplaced," he added.
Details of the US Bill and Its Sponsors
The proposed legislation, titled the 'Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,' was introduced on Tuesday by five US lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The bill aims to sanction Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged violations of religious freedom.
According to the bill, it calls for the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Specifically, it targets individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations, listing Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, MACBAN, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Context and International Reactions
This development follows months after US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged killings of Christians, a move the lawmakers described as justified. However, Ndume urged the US and other countries to shift their focus. "If they want to help us, they should focus their attention on 'People of Particular Concern' rather than labeling the entire nation a 'Country of Particular Concern,'" he said.
Ndume emphasized that the majority of Nigerians are innocent and called for greater transparency. "The majority of Nigerians are innocent people. But there are a few people who are holding Nigeria's assets outside, and they [foreign powers] know, and up to now, there is no exposure [of such people]."
Rejection and Criticism from Kwankwaso's Camp
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by Kwankwaso, has strongly rejected the proposed legislation. Spokesperson Habibu Mohammed described the inclusion of Kwankwaso's name as 'unfounded' and 'politically motivated,' calling for its removal from the bill. "We state unequivocally that these allegations are consistent with nothing in the verifiable public record of Senator Kwankwaso's life and service," Mohammed stated.
Additionally, Folashade Aliu, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election, criticized the move. "How can anybody in their right senses put up a bill that is as important as talking about religion and terrorism and single out one individual in this country?" Aliu questioned, highlighting concerns over the bill's focus and implications.
