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US lawmaker asks Tinubu to sack Matawalle, give reasons
Florida State Representative and Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), Kimberly Daniels, has called for the removal or redeployment of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns contained in a security assessment report on Nigeria.
Daniels made the call in a statement on Tuesday while releasing a report examining Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly recent killings recorded in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
The report focused on violence during the 2026 Easter period, including attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, which reportedly led to multiple deaths and widespread displacement.
Daniels said findings from the assessment showed a surge in attacks on religious gatherings during Palm Sunday and Easter services, raising questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security response.
She further claimed there is a disconnect between official government assurances and the reality faced by affected communities, despite repeated public condemnations of the violence.
According to her, the continued retention of Matawalle in the defence ministry raises concerns due to allegations linked to his past tenure as governor of Zamfara State, including claims of links to armed groups—allegations he has consistently denied.
She therefore called for his immediate removal or redeployment to restore public confidence in the defence ministry and strengthen Nigeria’s security leadership structure.
Daniels also urged the Nigerian government to open a transparent investigation into alleged high-level complicity in insecurity and to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.
She further called on international partners, including the United States government, to increase diplomatic pressure on Nigeria to ensure accountability within its security system.
Referencing U.S. House Resolution 761, she said it supports renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges and received bipartisan backing in the Florida House.

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