Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi has faulted the $9 million paid by the Federal Government to lobbying firms in the United States to control the narrative amid Christian genocide claims.

The sum is said to have been paid to convince Republican lawmakers in the US that Nigeria is working to protect Christians, as against claims that Christians are heavily persecuted.

Reacting, Sheikh Gumi stated on Facebook that Nigeria doesn't need foreign approval, adding that the sum paid to lobbyists would have been enough to enrich the poor.

He said, "Nigerians should lobby for Allah's Pleasure. He's the Greatest, the Almighty. $9m to enrich the poor will go well in the favour of God. And if Allah is with you, you don't need the approval of idiots."

ASA