A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, citing concerns over public confidence in the ongoing war against terrorism and banditry. The Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, referencing an assessment report on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts by the United World Congress of Diplomats and the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration.
The coalition’s convener, Marvin Ibem, expressed concerns that internal weaknesses could compromise operational success, leading to public anxiety about the Defence Ministry. Ibem emphasized that the call for redeployment is guided by prudence rather than politics, as persistent allegations in the public domain have created a trust deficit. The coalition warned that in security matters, perception alone can be damaging, and trust must be visible.
The group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s resolve and political will in addressing insecurity, commending his efforts in confronting terrorism and banditry. The coalition emphasized that its call is not personal or political but purely in the interest of national security. Redeploying Matawalle to another ministry would be a preventive, confidence-building decision that strengthens the war effort, according to Ibem.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to act on the redeployment recommendation, insulate the Defence Ministry from suspicion, and entrust sensitive security responsibilities to officials whose credibility is beyond question. The move is seen as crucial in restoring public confidence in the system and ensuring the success of the ongoing war against terrorism and banditry.
Nigeria has been grappling with insecurity issues, including terrorism and banditry, which have led to loss of lives and displacement of people. The international community has also expressed concern over the situation, with various organizations offering support to the Nigerian government in its efforts to address the challenges. The coalition’s appeal highlights the need for the government to take proactive steps to address public concerns and ensure that its efforts to combat terrorism and banditry are effective and credible.
