The United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, NDMG-USA, has threatened legal action against Kimberly Daniels over remarks accusing the Sultan of Sokoto of complicity in Nigeria’s insecurity crisis and calling for the removal of the 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 that it would initiate legal proceedings in the United States if the lawmaker fails to retract her claims.
Mr Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives representing District 14, had urged President Bola Tinubu to remove Matawalle from office while also making allegations linking the Sultan of Sokoto to insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Reacting, Collins said the group was particularly alarmed by what it termed a “direct and unjustified attack” on the Sultan, stressing that the revered traditional ruler plays a vital role in promoting peace and religious harmony.
“The Sultan of Sokoto is a symbol of unity and moral authority whose voice has consistently been deployed in the service of peace, dialogue and national cohesion. To allege complicity in insecurity without credible evidence is not only defamatory but an affront to millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Collins added that the remarks could harm Nigeria’s international image and fuel unnecessary tensions.
“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.
He noted that while global concern over insecurity in Nigeria is understandable, public commentary—especially from foreign officials—must be grounded in facts and a proper understanding of the country’s complexities.
“Security challenges in Nigeria are multifaceted and require collaboration, not sensational claims that misrepresent realities and target respected institutions. The Sultan has remained a consistent advocate for peace and conflict resolution.”
On Matawalle, the group said public officials are open to scrutiny but stressed that calls for removal must be based on verifiable evidence rather than what it described as “unproven allegations.”
Daniels had also accused the minister of attempting to influence international narratives on insecurity, including claims of a bribery attempt—allegations that have not been substantiated publicly.
“It is within democratic norms to question governance, but such interventions must be responsible and evidence-based. What we reject is the promotion of narratives that could undermine ongoing security efforts and distort international perception,” Collins added.
The group urged foreign lawmakers to exercise restraint and prioritise constructive engagement over public accusations.
“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 defending Nigeria’s image abroad and promoting responsible global discourse on the country’s security situation.
