Diaspora group threatens legal action against US lawmaker over 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 accusing the Sultan of Sokoto of complicity in Nigeria’s
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. It warned that legal proceedings would be initiated in the United States if the lawmaker fails to retract her claims.
Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives representing District 14, had called on 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, noting that the revered traditional ruler plays a central role in promoting peace and religious harmony across Nigeria.
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“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 who respect the institution he represents,” Collins said.
He added that the allegation was harmful to Nigeria’s image and capable of fuelling unnecessary tension both within the country and internationally.
“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 global concern about 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, and such contributions must not be distorted for political narratives.”
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On Matawalle, the group said although public officials are open to scrutiny, calls for removal should be based on verifiable facts rather than what it described as “unproven allegations.”
Daniels had also accused Matawalle of attempting to influence international narratives around insecurity in Nigeria, including claims of a bribery attempt—allegations that have remained unsubstantiated publicly.
“It is within the bounds of democratic engagement 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.”
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.
