By Nkechi Eze
The United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria has strongly refuted allegations circulating online that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, attempted to bribe a United States official to suppress reports on Nigeria’s security situation, describing the claims as false, misleading, and inflammatory.
According to an official signed statement by Barrister Okie Okechukwu of the United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria, the allegations reportedly attributed to Kimberly Daniels during a Facebook live broadcast are entirely unfounded and lack credibility.
The group stated unequivocally that the Minister has never engaged in, nor condoned, any act of bribery or misconduct, stressing that the claims do not reflect his conduct or public service record.
It expressed concern over the potential impact of such unverified reports on Nigeria’s already delicate security landscape, warning that insinuations of attempts to influence American officials through “coordinated messaging” could heighten tensions and deepen divisions.
The statement further emphasized that Dr. Matawalle has consistently maintained that insecurity in Nigeria affects all citizens irrespective of religion, region, or social status, noting that the activities of non-state actors cut across the country and require collective national responses rather than divisive narratives.
While acknowledging international interest in Nigeria’s security challenges, the group cautioned against what it described as attempts to politicize the situation or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, insisting that any genuine concerns should be addressed through appropriate diplomatic and investigative channels rather than public accusations.
The organisation also alleged that the claims against the Minister are part of a broader campaign aimed at tarnishing his image due to his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his rising political influence, particularly in his home state, which it said has unsettled certain political actors ahead of future elections.
Describing the remarks attributed to Daniels as “absurd, malicious, and preposterous,” the group rejected any suggestion that external actors possess a superior understanding of Nigeria’s internal dynamics, asserting that the country remains on a path toward stability and economic progress.
The United Front for Religious Tolerance in Nigeria urged the public and media to disregard the allegations and to prioritize verification before amplifying sensitive claims, warning that reckless accusations of religious bias and corruption risk inflaming tensions and diverting attention from efforts to address the nation’s security challenges.
