Former Lawmakers Urge Caution Over Calls for Matawalle’s Removal

The Former Parliamentarians Forum has urged caution over recent calls for the removal of Bello Matawalle, emphasising the need for a broader understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges. In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its chairman, Hon. Gabriel Idoko, the Forum said public commentary on the country’s security architecture should take into account […]

The Former Parliamentarians Forum has urged caution over recent calls for the removal of Bello Matawalle, emphasising the need for a broader understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its chairman, Hon. Gabriel Idoko, the Forum said public commentary on the country’s security architecture should take into account the complexity of ongoing efforts to address insecurity.

The group was responding to remarks by Kimberly Daniels, a United States lawmaker, who had called for Matawalle’s removal following a security assessment report on violence in parts of northern Nigeria.

The Forum noted that Nigeria’s security challenges are longstanding and multifaceted, and require sustained institutional responses.

“It is both simplistic and counterproductive to suggest that the removal or redeployment of one public official would resolve challenges that have evolved over decades,” a member of the Forum said.

“Nigeria’s security landscape requires continuity, institutional memory, and coordinated leadership.”

The Forum added that Matawalle operates within a broader defence framework under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside various security and intelligence agencies.

According to the statement, while challenges persist in parts of the North-Central and North-West regions, efforts are ongoing to address insecurity through coordinated operations and strategic engagements.

“These efforts are the product of coordination among the armed forces, intelligence services, and political leadership,” the statement said.

The Forum also encouraged careful engagement in discussions relating to Nigeria’s internal security, noting the importance of relying on verified information and established institutional processes.

“It is important to separate advocacy from accuracy. Allegations, especially at high levels of government, should be addressed through appropriate investigative and legal channels,” another member said.

The group further highlighted Matawalle’s experience as a former governor of Zamfara State, noting that such experience can contribute to understanding security dynamics in affected regions.

On the broader issue, the Forum reiterated the need for sustained investment in intelligence gathering, community-based approaches, and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of insecurity.

It also called for continued support for security agencies and emphasised the importance of constructive engagement in addressing national security concerns.

The Former Parliamentarians Forum concluded by calling for a measured and evidence-based approach in assessing Nigeria’s security situation.