Three groups have condemned recent calls for the redeployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, describing such demands as inappropriate and an intrusion into Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The groups – the Nigerian Muslim Congress, Northern Elders Political Development Group, and Youths Vanguard for Peaceful Co-existence of Nigeria – stated this in a joint press statement issued Thursday.
The statement was signed by Dr Abdullahi Usman Sarki and Hon Yusuf Abubakar on behalf of the three groups.
The statement was in reaction to comments attributed to U.S. lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, regarding Nigeria’s security management and calls for Matawalle’s redeployment.
The groups said: “The call by Kimberly Daniels for the redeployment of Mohammed Bello Matawalle is both inappropriate and troubling, as it raises serious concerns about external interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation.”
The groups added that matters concerning the country’s security architecture remain the exclusive responsibility of the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Decisions regarding appointments, redeployments and operational strategies are guided by national interest, local intelligence and the realities on ground,” the statement said.
The groups added that, “External opinions, regardless of intent, must not override the authority of those directly accountable to the Nigerian people.”
Defending Matawalle’s continued stay in office, the groups said the former Zamfara state governor brings valuable experience to his current role, especially given his background in handling security challenges in one of the states affected by banditry.
“His firsthand understanding of the complexities surrounding insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts positions him as a key contributor to ongoing national security efforts,” the statement noted.
They argued that Nigeria’s security problems are longstanding and systemic, insisting that it was unfair to single out one official for challenges that predate the present administration.
“We consider it unfair and irresponsible to single out one individual for issues that are systemic, multifaceted, and longstanding, predating the current administration,” the groups said.