US-Based Nigerians Reject Florida Lawmaker’s Call for Matawalle’s Removal
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Nigerians living in the United States have pushed back against recent remarks by Florida lawmaker Kimberly Daniels, who called for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Speaking under the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability, the diaspora group described the demand as misguided and an intrusion into Nigeria’s internal affairs. They argued that such commentary reflects a limited understanding of the country’s complex security landscape.
The coalition’s convener, Maxwell Akarachi, said attributing Nigeria’s security challenges to a single official oversimplifies deeply rooted issues. He noted that insecurity across parts of the North-Central and North-West regions is driven by longstanding structural weaknesses, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving threats.
According to the group, public calls for Matawalle’s removal risk undermining ongoing military and intelligence operations. They warned that unverified claims and repeated allegations could weaken confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership at a critical time.
Akarachi maintained that since his appointment under President Bola Tinubu, Matawalle has contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening coordination among security agencies and improving operational responses in troubled areas.
While acknowledging that attacks persist in some regions, the coalition pointed to gradual progress in reclaiming affected communities and disrupting armed groups.
They also questioned the timing of Daniels’ statement, suggesting it could be exploited by actors seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s domestic security issues for political leverage.
The group urged foreign partners to engage Nigeria through collaboration and informed dialogue rather than public criticism, stressing that effective partnerships must be built on mutual respect and accurate assessments.
Daniels had earlier cited recent violence during the 2026 Easter period and raised concerns about Matawalle’s record, including allegations linked to his time as governor of Zamfara State, as justification for her call.
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