By Harriet Tornguvan
The United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria has dismissed as false and inflammatory recent allegations that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, attempted to bribe a United States official to suppress reports on Nigeria’s security situation.
In a statement signed by Barrister Okie Okechukwu, the group said the claims reportedly attributed to Kimberly Daniels during a Facebook live broadcast are “entirely unfounded and lack credibility.”
The organisation stated unequivocally that Matawalle has never engaged in, nor condoned, bribery or any form of misconduct, insisting that the allegations do not reflect his public service record.
It expressed concern over the potential impact of such claims, noting that Nigeria is currently grappling with complex security challenges that require unity rather than division. According to the group, suggestions that the minister sought to influence American officials through “coordinated messaging” are misleading and risk escalating tensions in an already fragile environment.
The statement further stressed that insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens across religious and regional lines, reiterating that violence by non-state actors is not targeted at any particular group. It called for collective efforts to address the crisis instead of narratives capable of deepening divisions.
While acknowledging international interest in Nigeria’s security situation, the group cautioned against politicising the issue or undermining the country’s sovereignty. It advised that concerns should be addressed through established diplomatic and investigative channels rather than through what it described as “inflammatory public commentary.”
The group also maintained that Matawalle remains committed to his mandate, particularly in engaging both local and international stakeholders to restore peace in troubled regions, especially in the North.
On the political dimension of the allegations, the organisation alleged that attempts to tarnish the minister’s image may be linked to his support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his rising political influence. It argued that such claims are part of a broader campaign aimed at discrediting him ahead of future political contests.
The statement urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that unsubstantiated allegations of corruption or religious bias could inflame tensions and distract from ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
