US Lawmaker Asks Tinubu to Remove Matawalle as Minister
Last update: April 16, 2026
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US lawmaker calls for removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle...
A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, has called on President Bola Tinubu to either redeploy or remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns linked to a recent security assessment on Nigeria.
CBI News reports that Daniels, a Florida state representative and chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the call in a statement shared on her Facebook page, where she raised concerns about the worsening security situation in parts of the country.
Her comments followed renewed attacks in the North-Central and North-West regions, particularly during the 2026 Easter period, which reportedly left several people dead in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
According to her, the security assessment reviewed Nigeria’s current defence leadership in light of repeated violence, including attacks on religious gatherings during Palm Sunday and Easter services.
She said testimonies from local leaders and survivors suggested a gap between official statements and the realities on the ground.
The report also raised concerns about Matawalle’s continued stay in office, referencing alleged “red flags,” including claims tied to his time as governor of Zamfara State and questions about his security background.
Daniels urged the Federal Government to conduct a leadership review in the defence ministry, saying it was necessary to restore public confidence.
“To the Government of Nigeria, the results of the assessment urge President Tinubu to ‘look inward’ and remove elements that compromise national security.
“Specifically, immediate leadership review. The removal or redeployment of Minister Bello Matawalle to restore the integrity of the defence ministry,” she said.
She also called for a transparent investigation into alleged high-level complicity in banditry and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
Daniels further urged the United States and other international partners to increase diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to ensure accountability for individuals accused of supporting terrorism.
“The position I take on this issue is because of citizens reaching out to me from Nigeria,” she said.
“My connection to Nigeria as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Chairwoman of UN-WCD would not allow me to be silent. Based on the referenced report, the attacks against believers in Northern Nigeria are allegedly protected by leadership from the inside.
“The greatest form of terrorism a person can experience is terror that comes from ‘homegrown familiar enemies.’ When the people you trust to protect you work undercover with others who want to harm you, it must be devastating!”
She added that House Resolution 761, which supports redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern over religious freedom issues, has received bipartisan backing in the Florida legislature.
