A coalition of civil society organisations has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, saying the move would strengthen public confidence and deepen trust in the ongoing war against terrorism.
The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Nigerian Civil Societies Against Terrorism, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference, stressing that its position was not driven by personal or partisan considerations.
According to the coalition, redeploying Matawalle from the Defence Ministry would not amount to condemnation but would serve as a preventive and confidence-building measure in the national interest.
Convener of the coalition, Barrister Marvin Ibem, said the continued stay of the Minister of State for Defence in the ministry had become a source of public anxiety, at a time when national unity and trust were critical to defeating terrorism.
“Terrorism is not a partisan issue; it is a national threat. Mr President deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians in addressing it,” Ibem said.
He explained that the coalition’s position was informed by recommendations contained in a recent Assessment Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria, presented by the United World Congress of Diplomats in collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration.
Ibem said the coalition was calling on President Tinubu to act in the overriding interest of national security by insulating the Defence Ministry from all forms of suspicion, whether real or perceived, and ensuring that sensitive security responsibilities were handled by officials whose credibility inspired public confidence.
“Such a decision will reassure Nigerians, strengthen public confidence and protect the gains already recorded in the war against terrorism,” he said, adding that the fight against insurgency could not afford complacency, internal doubts or divided trust.
He noted that Nigerians across the country were increasingly worried, not about the commitment of the Armed Forces, but about the possibility that internal weaknesses could undermine operational success.
“In counter-terrorism operations, confidence, secrecy and absolute loyalty to strategy are non-negotiable. Where there is widespread suspicion, rightly or wrongly, there is fear that strategic plans may be exposed,” Ibem warned.
The coalition, however, commended President Tinubu for demonstrating political will and seriousness in confronting terrorism and banditry, citing ongoing security sector reforms, strengthened military leadership and international cooperation.
Reaffirming its support for the President, the group said its call for redeployment was purely in the interest of national security.
“We have nothing personal against the Minister of State for Defence. This is not partisan politics. The security of Nigeria must never be sacrificed on the altar of political convenience,” the coalition said.
