Forum Defends Matawalle Against Calls for Removal

The Former Parliamentarian Forum, led by Chairman Gabriel Idoko, issued a statement on Thursday dismissing recent calls for the removal of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. They warned that these external pressures, particularly remarks from U.S. lawmaker Kimberli Daniel, misrepresent Nigeria's security challenges and could undermine the country's defense strategy.

The forum emphasized that Nigeria's security issues are deeply rooted and multifaceted, cautioning against oversimplifying the situation by blaming individuals. They highlighted the need for sustained institutional memory and coordinated leadership rather than abrupt changes driven by external commentary.

The statement noted that Matawalle's experience as a former governor of Zamfara State provides valuable insights into rural insecurity and conflict resolution. The forum called for greater support for security agencies and urged stakeholders to avoid rhetoric that undermines public confidence in ongoing operations, stressing the importance of evidence-based approaches to assess Nigeria's security landscape.