Nigeria-US Coalition Tackles U.S. Lawmaker Over Call To Sack Matawalle

A coalition of Nigerians in the United States has criticised recent remarks by lawmaker Kimberly Daniels, describing her call for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as ill-informed and externally driven.

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Naija News reports that the coalition was reacting to remarks by the US lawmaker, who recently called for Matawalle’s removal following a security assessment on Nigeria.

Daniels made the call in a statement posted on her Facebook page, referencing findings from a recent security assessment report.

Daniels said the assessment raised “red flags” regarding Matawalle’s continued stay in office, including concerns over his experience and allegations linked to his tenure as governor of Zamfara State.

She urged the Federal Government to undertake a leadership review within the defence ministry.

Reacting, the group, operating under the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability, said the intervention risks undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and distorting the country’s security realities.

In a statement signed by its convener, Dr Maxwell Akarachi, the coalition said Daniels’ position reflects a broader pattern of foreign commentary shaped by limited understanding of Nigeria’s security environment.

“It is deeply concerning that a foreign legislator would adopt such a narrow stance without appreciating the progress being made under difficult circumstances,” the statement read.

The coalition argued that Nigeria’s insecurity, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, is rooted in long-standing structural issues, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving threats.

According to the group, attributing the crisis to a single public official oversimplifies a complex situation.

The group noted that since his appointment under President Bola Tinubu, Matawalle has contributed to coordinated military operations, intelligence sharing, and efforts to stabilise troubled regions.

It added that while challenges persist, there have been measurable gains in disrupting armed groups and restoring access to affected communities.

The coalition expressed concern that Daniels’ remarks align with what it described as narratives aimed at discrediting Nigeria’s security institutions.

“Those pushing these narratives are attempting to fracture confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership by amplifying half-truths,” the statement said.

It also questioned the timing of the comments, suggesting they could be exploited by actors seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s internal security debates.

While acknowledging the need for accountability, the group stressed that any allegations against public officials must be handled through Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks.

It warned against what it described as “public campaigns orchestrated from afar,” urging a more measured and evidence-based approach.

The coalition called on international partners to engage Nigeria with accuracy and respect, emphasising that collaboration should focus on solutions rather than accusations.

“We welcome global partnerships, but they must be grounded in respect, accuracy, and a genuine commitment to solving shared challenges,” Akarachi said.

The group urged Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to remain vigilant and support national institutions, stressing that the country’s path to stability depends on unity and strategic coordination.