Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

Some groups, have rejected alleged foreign pressure over the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Matawalle, condemning criticisms and calls for his redeployment as external interference.

The groups were Nigerian Muslim Congress, Northern Elders Political Development Group, and Youths Vanguard for Peaceful Co-existence of Nigeria.

In a joint statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna, the groups criticised recent remarks by U.S. lawmaker Kimberly Daniels, warning that her call for Matawalle’s redeployment reflects troubling external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

The statement, was signed by Dr Abdullahi Sarki and Yusuf Abubakar, on behalf of the groups.

They emphasised that Nigeria’s security decisions remain solely under the authority of President Bola Tinubu, whose administration guides appointments and strategies based on national interest and local intelligence realities.

The groups argued that external opinions must not override officials directly accountable to Nigerians, stressing that security management lies strictly within the sovereign jurisdiction of the Nigerian state.

They highlighted Matawalle’s experience as former Zamfara governor, noting his firsthand understanding of insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, which they say strengthens his role in national security efforts.

According to them, Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and deeply rooted, warning that foreign assessments often lack the operational context and intelligence required for balanced judgment.

The groups described Daniels’ position as relying on negative narratives that undermine Nigeria’s collective interest and amount to unwarranted intrusion into sensitive national security matters.

They cautioned against singling out individuals for systemic challenges that predate the current administration, noting ongoing efforts by security agencies to address insecurity nationwide.

Military operations and interventions, particularly in northwestern states, were cited as contributing to measurable improvements despite public concerns over the pace of progress.

They also alleged deliberate attempts to circulate misleading narratives aimed at discrediting the federal government, warning that such actions threaten unity and ongoing security operations.

Calling for national cohesion, the groups urged stakeholders to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and support its security efforts without politicicing or externalising internal challenges.

They said that Matawalle and other members of the security team should be allowed to continue their duties without undue interference, emphasising the need for constructive engagement at a critical time.(NAN)