CSOs Urge Tinubu to Redeploy Defence Minister of State Over Security Concerns

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in the interest of national security.

The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference held by the Coalition of Nigeria Civil Societies Against Terrorism. The group cited growing public concerns over confidence in the government’s ongoing war against terrorism and banditry.

According to the coalition, the call followed 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.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the coalition, Marvin Ibem, Esq., said public fears were not directed at the military but at possible internal weaknesses that could undermine operations.

Ibem noted that the continued presence of the Minister of State for Defence in the Defence Ministry had become a source of public anxiety, stressing that redeployment would help rebuild trust and strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He explained that persistent allegations in the public space, whether substantiated or not, had created a dangerous trust deficit in a sensitive security environment where confidence and loyalty are critical.

The coalition warned that in security matters, perception alone could be damaging, adding that Nigeria cannot afford a situation where operational details are perceived to be vulnerable to leaks.

While making the call, the group commended President Tinubu’s resolve and political will in tackling insecurity, describing terrorism and banditry as national, not partisan, threats.

The coalition emphasised that its demand was neither personal nor political but aimed at protecting national security. It urged the President to redeploy Matawalle to another ministry as a preventive and confidence-building measure that would strengthen the ongoing war against terrorism.