Ex-Lawmakers Reject Calls for Matawalle's Removal, Warn Against External Pressure
A group of former lawmakers has strongly pushed back against recent demands for the removal of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, issuing a stern warning that external commentary on Nigeria's security situation could significantly complicate ongoing efforts to address instability in various parts of the country. The Former Parliamentarians Forum, in a detailed statement signed by its chairman, Gabriel Idoko, asserted that calls for changes in the defence leadership are based on what it described as incomplete interpretations of the nation's complex and multifaceted security challenges.
Response to International Remarks
The group was specifically responding to remarks attributed to United States lawmaker Kimberly Daniels, who had publicly called for Matawalle's removal following the release of a report on violence in northern Nigeria. According to the forum, attributing responsibility for longstanding security issues to a single public official risks oversimplifying the problem and ignores the broader context. It emphasized that Nigeria's security challenges have developed over many years and require coordinated, multi-institutional responses rather than targeting individual figures.
Defence Framework and Collective Efforts
The statement highlighted that Matawalle operates within a broader defence framework under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which includes extensive joint military operations and inter-agency coordination. While acknowledging that insecurity persists in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, the group pointed out that there have been concerted efforts to improve coordination among security agencies and restore access to affected communities. "These outcomes are the result of collective efforts rather than the actions of a single office," the forum stated, adding that abrupt leadership changes could disrupt existing coordination and set back progress.
Concerns Over Internationalisation and Legal Processes
The group also expressed deep concern about what it described as the increasing internationalisation of Nigeria's domestic security discussions, warning that public statements made without full context could heighten tensions and undermine local initiatives. It stressed that any allegations involving senior government officials should be addressed through established investigative and legal processes within Nigeria, rather than through public campaigns or external pressure. This approach, they argued, ensures fairness and respects national sovereignty.
Matawalle's Experience and Broader Strategy
Further bolstering their stance, the forum pointed to Matawalle's experience as a former governor of Zamfara State, arguing that such a background provides valuable insight into local security dynamics and community engagement in conflict-prone areas. It called for continued investment in key areas such as:
- Intelligence gathering
- Community policing
- Socio-economic interventions
Call for Measured Assessments
The statement concluded with a strong call for measured and evidence-based assessments of Nigeria's security situation, both from within the country and from international observers. By focusing on collaborative solutions and avoiding divisive narratives, the forum believes that Nigeria can better navigate its security challenges and foster stability in the long term.
