A new controversy has erupted over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, after a US lawmaker accused the country’s defence minister of trying to shut down international criticism.
Kimberly Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, made the claims during a Facebook Live session.
She alleged that Bello Matawalle attempted to influence US officials following her comments on what she described as targeted killings of Christians in parts of Nigeria.
According to Daniels, after she spoke out, she began facing pressure from individuals she linked to the minister.
She said there were efforts to discredit her report and even attempts to sway American lawmakers to publicly oppose her position.
She also claimed that one US lawmaker was persuaded to defend Nigeria’s defence leadership, adding that she had seen evidence of coordinated messaging including prepared statements and promotional materials allegedly tied to Matawalle.
“These efforts were meant to divide American officials,” she said, “not realizing that they are united.”
Daniels insisted she wasn’t making outright accusations but was calling for a proper investigation.
She said her stance was based on testimonies from affected communities, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and findings from an international network she leads.
The issue stems from a report she released on April 14, highlighting rising violence in parts of northern Nigeria, including Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states.
The report pointed to a growing gap between government assurances and what people are actually experiencing on the ground.
It also questioned Matawalle’s continued leadership of the defence ministry, raising concerns about credibility and urging a transparent investigation.
Daniels went further, suggesting that Bola Tinubu should consider redeploying the minister.
Despite the pushback, Daniels made it clear she won’t be silenced, stressing her right as an elected official to speak on human rights issues globally.
