A prominent coalition of civil society organizations has made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to consider the immediate redeployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The call, framed as a strategic move to safeguard national security, was made public during a press briefing in the nation's capital.
Preventive Move to Protect Operational Integrity
The group, known as the Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism, clarified that its recommendation is not a personal attack on Minister Matawalle. Instead, they described it as a preventive decision necessary to protect the integrity of sensitive counter-terrorism efforts. The coalition's convener, Marvin Ibem Esq., emphasized that lingering public anxiety over potential internal vulnerabilities could severely weaken national morale and trust.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Ibem stated that the minister's continued role has become a source of unease for many citizens. He stressed that public confidence is a non-negotiable pillar for the success of security operations. The coalition fears that any perception of vulnerability within the defence hierarchy could create fears of possible information leaks, thereby compromising ongoing missions against terrorists and bandits.
Formal Recommendations and National Security Concerns
The coalition's appeal is based on recommendations contained in a recent assessment report presented by the United World Congress of Diplomats and the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration. Ibem outlined three key requests for President Tinubu:
- Act on the recommendation for redeployment in the overriding interest of national security.
- Insulate the Defence Ministry from all forms of suspicion, whether real or perceived.
- Entrust sensitive security responsibilities only to officials whose credibility is beyond question.
Ibem elaborated on the gravity of the situation, noting, "In counter-terrorism operations, confidence, secrecy, and absolute loyalty to strategy are non-negotiable. The Nigerian people are afraid, not of the military, but of what could go wrong if caution is ignored." The group warned that the country cannot afford scenarios where sensitive operational details are believed to be exposed, especially when security forces are applying sustained pressure on adversarial groups.
Support for Tinubu's Security Agenda
While pushing for the redeployment, the coalition was quick to express its full support for President Tinubu's broader security initiatives. It praised recent restructuring efforts, the strengthening of military leadership, and the forging of international partnerships as clear signs of commitment to restoring safety across Nigeria.
Ibem insisted that the coalition's position is devoid of partisan motives, firmly stating, "We therefore state clearly that we have nothing personal against the Minister of State for Defence. The security of Nigeria must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience." The group expressed confidence that a decisive presidential action would reassure the citizenry and protect the gains already recorded in the arduous campaign against terrorism.
The call from civil society adds a new dimension to the ongoing national discourse on security architecture, highlighting the critical intersection of public perception, operational secrecy, and effective governance in Nigeria's fight against insurgency.
