US-based Nigerians Knock Florida Lawmaker Over Call For Matawalle’s Removal

Some United States-based Nigerians have criticised a Florida lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, over her call for the removal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing the call as “ill-informed, externally influenced, and injurious to the country’s sovereignty.”

The Nigerians, operating under the Nigerian-American Coalition for Strategic Stability, said the intervention reflected a growing pattern of foreign commentary shaped by actors with limited understanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition’s convener, Maxwell Akarachi, warned that attempts to scapegoat key officials within Nigeria’s defence structure risked distorting facts and emboldening forces working against national stability.

“It is deeply concerning that a foreign legislator would adopt such a narrow and accusatory stance without engaging the full spectrum of stakeholders or appreciating the progress being made under extremely difficult circumstances,” Akarachi said.

He argued that Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions were rooted in long-standing structural vulnerabilities, cross-border criminal networks, and evolving asymmetric threats that cannot be reduced to the actions of a single office holder.

According to him, portraying Matawalle as a liability based on “unproven and recycled allegations” undermines ongoing security operations and risks legitimising misinformation at a critical time.

“Those pushing these narratives know exactly what they are doing. They are attempting to fracture confidence in Nigeria’s defence leadership by amplifying half-truths and presenting them as established facts,” the statement read.

Akarachi maintained that since his appointment under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Matawalle has contributed to efforts aimed at strengthening military operations, improving intelligence sharing, and stabilising conflict-prone regions.

While acknowledging that security incidents persist, the group pointed to what it described as incremental gains in disrupting armed groups and restoring access to communities previously overrun by bandits.

The coalition also questioned the timing of Daniels’ remarks, suggesting they could be exploited by actors seeking to internationalise Nigeria’s internal security challenges for political or strategic ends.

“We welcome global partnerships, but such partnerships must be grounded in respect, accuracy, and a genuine commitment to solutions,” Akarachi added.

Daniels had earlier called on President Tinubu to redeploy or remove Matawalle, citing concerns raised in a recent security assessment on Nigeria.

The Florida lawmaker, who also chairs the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the call in a statement posted on her Facebook page, pointing to what she described as worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

Her comments followed renewed attacks during the 2026 Easter period across Plateau, Kaduna and Nasarawa States, which reportedly left several people dead.

Daniels said testimonies from local leaders and survivors revealed a disconnect between official assurances and the realities on the ground.

The report, she added, raised concerns over Matawalle’s continued stay in office, citing alleged “red flags,” including claims of links with bandit groups during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State and questions surrounding his security experience.