Civil society coalition urges Tinubu to redeploy Matawalle over security concerns

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns over public confidence and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism.

The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism, made the call on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja.

According to the coalition, its position is informed by recommendations contained in an assessment report on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts presented by the United World Congress of Diplomats in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration.

Addressing journalists, the Convener of the coalition, Marvin Ibem, Esq., said Nigerians’ fears were not directed at the Armed Forces but at perceived internal vulnerabilities that could undermine security operations.

“Nigerians continue to express fear, not because they doubt the resolve of the Armed Forces, but because they are worried that internal weaknesses could compromise operational success,” Ibem said.

He said the continued stay of the Minister of State for Defence in the Defence Ministry had become a source of anxiety, adding that redeployment would help strengthen public confidence.

“In our view, his redeployment is long overdue. This call is not out of malice, but out of concern for the survival and success of the war against terrorism,” he stated.

The coalition cited persistent allegations and public narratives linking the minister to past engagements with bandit elements, warning that such perceptions, whether substantiated or not, had created a trust deficit in a sensitive security environment.

According to the group, counter-terrorism operations require absolute confidence, secrecy and loyalty to strategy, noting that widespread suspicion could weaken intelligence coordination.

“In security matters, perception alone can be damaging. Trust must not only exist; it must be visible,” Ibem added.

The coalition, however, reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s leadership, describing terrorism as a national threat that transcends partisan politics.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated resolve and seriousness in confronting terrorism and banditry. Our appeal is to strengthen that effort, not to undermine it,” the convener said.

The group stressed that redeploying Matawalle to another ministry would be a preventive and confidence-building measure rather than a condemnation.

It urged the President to act in the overriding interest of national security by insulating the Defence Ministry from suspicion and entrusting sensitive security responsibilities to officials whose credibility is beyond question.