The United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, NDMG-USA, has threatened legal action against a United States lawmaker, 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.
A statement issued Saturday and signed by Cosmas Collins, president of the group in the US, 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.
Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 14, had in recent remarks 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 described as a “direct and unjustified attack” on the Sultan, stressing that the revered traditional ruler plays a critical role in promoting peace and religious harmony across Nigeria.
“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 group considers the allegation harmful to Nigeria’s image and capable of fuelling unnecessary tension both locally 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.”
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.
