President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is facing mounting pressure to reassign the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from his current portfolio. This urgent call comes from a prominent international diplomatic organization, which argues the move is critical for Nigeria's fight against terrorism and banditry.
Diplomatic Body Cites "Internal Obstacles" to Security
The United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), alongside the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), has openly backed President Tinubu's overall security strategy. However, in a press conference held on Monday, January 5, 2025, in Abuja, they presented a stark recommendation.
The diplomats stated that Matawalle's redeployment has become necessary to eliminate what they described as "perceived internal obstacles" to achieving success against the nation's security challenges. They warned that these perceived obstacles are hindering the complete eradication of persistent terrorist attacks.
Praise for US Partnership, But Concerns Over Leadership
UN-WCD Secretary-General, H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, specifically commended the growing military partnership between Nigeria and the United States. He highlighted that the joint operations have been precise, disciplined, and effective, weakening insurgent strongholds across several regions.
Asaolu noted that a key assessment revealed no civilian casualties were recorded during recent large-scale joint engagements, underscoring professionalism and adherence to international rules. "We commend the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for the progress recorded so far in degrading terrorist networks," he said.
Despite this progress, the diplomatic body expressed concern. They argued that Matawalle's limited security background, combined with increasing public calls for his removal from clerics and commentators, has drawn unwelcome international scrutiny to Nigeria's defence leadership.
Mounting Pressure and Past Controversy
The call from the UN-WCD echoes similar demands from domestic groups. Notably, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has previously called for Matawalle's removal. Their argument centers on a viral past video from when Matawalle was Governor of Zamfara State, where he appeared to make comments defending bandits.
NANS and critics contend that an alleged "bandit sympathiser" is not fit to lead the Defence ministry. This old video, reportedly filmed at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with the late President Muhammadu Buhari, continues to fuel controversy around the minister.
However, a civic coalition has recently defended Matawalle, urging Nigerians to ignore the resurfaced video. They pointed to the recent rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls as evidence of his operational competence and described him as an asset to the Tinubu administration.
In its conclusive statement, the UN-WCD framed the issue as a decisive governance test. They urged President Tinubu to treat Matawalle's redeployment as a necessary step to tighten the security chain, reassure the Nigerian public, and fast-track final victory against terrorism. The body emphasized that the move is about accountability, integrity, and effective governance essential for national security.
