US Assembly proposes visa bans, asset freezes against Miyetti Allah

A new bill introduced in the United States Congress aims to impose targeted sanctions on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, citing alleged severe violations of religious freedom against Christians in Nigeria.

The proposed measures include visa bans and asset freezes for individuals associated with these groups.

Representative Smith Christopher, who sponsored the bill, on Tuesday, commended US President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act. The CPC designation is reserved for countries believed to engage in or tolerate particularly severe violations of religious freedom.

This came as the Federal Government said, yesterday, that it remains calm and not in any panic mode over the position of the United States on the alleged genocide against Christians in the country.

The government also said that it has opened up channels of discussion with the US and assured that it is committed as ever to ensure that everyone is safe irrespective of religion or ethnic background.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has said that his administration will defeat terrorism and that he is determined to deepen global engagement and intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality.

President Tinubu, in apparent response to the threats of military attack by President Trump over the alleged persecution and killing of Christians in Nigeria, said that despite the political headwinds, the Nigerian government will continue to engage with its partners.

Tinubu’s remarks came after an economic briefing by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who reported that the administration’s reform agenda continues to stimulate investor confidence and deliver notable economic gains.

President Tinubu said: “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners.

“So, the task ahead is immense. We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in the country.