Group threatens legal action over US lawmaker’s remarks on Sultan, Matawalle

The United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG-USA) has threatened legal action against Kimberly Daniels over remarks it says targeted the Sultan of Sokoto and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its president, Cosmas Collins, the group described the comments […]

The United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG-USA) has threatened legal action against Kimberly Daniels over remarks it says targeted the Sultan of Sokoto and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its president, Cosmas Collins, the group described the comments as “deeply offensive, unsubstantiated and diplomatically reckless,” warning it could initiate legal proceedings in the United States if no retraction is issued.

Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, had recently called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle from office and made claims linking the Sultan of Sokoto to insecurity in northern Nigeria. She did not provide evidence publicly to support the allegations.

Reacting, Collins said the group was particularly concerned by what it described as an unjustified attack on the Sultan, noting that the traditional ruler has long been associated with peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue.

“The Sultan of Sokoto is widely regarded as a symbol of unity and moral authority whose voice has consistently been deployed in the service of peace and national cohesion. Allegations of complicity in insecurity, without credible evidence, are both serious and damaging,” Collins said.

He added that such claims risk misrepresenting Nigeria’s security challenges and could fuel unnecessary tension.

“These statements are false, damaging and unacceptable. We are prepared to pursue all lawful means within the United States to seek redress if a full retraction and apology are not issued,” he said.

Collins noted that while international concern about insecurity in Nigeria is understandable, public commentary—particularly from foreign officials—should be grounded in verifiable facts.

“Security challenges in Nigeria are complex and require collaboration, not claims that may distort realities or target respected institutions. The Sultan has consistently advocated dialogue and conflict resolution,” he said.

On Matawalle, the group acknowledged that public officials are open to scrutiny but said calls for removal should be based on substantiated claims.

Daniels had also made allegations suggesting misconduct involving the minister, including claims of attempted influence over international narratives. No evidence has been publicly presented to support those claims.

“It is within the bounds of democratic engagement to question governance, but such interventions must be responsible and evidence-based,” Collins added.

The group urged foreign lawmakers to exercise restraint and prioritise constructive engagement.

“We call on international partners to approach Nigeria’s internal challenges with respect, accuracy and a commitment to truth. Mischaracterisation of key national figures does not advance solutions,” he said.

NDMG-USA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible global discourse on Nigeria’s security situation and defending the country’s image abroad.