The United States chapter of the Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group has threatened to institute legal proceedings against US lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, over comments linking the Sultan of Sokoto to Nigeria’s security crisis.
The group, in a statement issued signed by its president, Cosmas Collins, described the remarks as offensive, baseless and capable of straining diplomatic sensibilities.
Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, had reportedly urged Bola Tinubu to remove the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, while also alleging that the Sultan was complicit in the country’s insecurity challenges.
Reacting, the diaspora group said it was particularly disturbed by what it termed an unwarranted attack on the revered monarch, noting that the Sultan has consistently championed peace and religious harmony in Nigeria.
Collins said, “The Sultan of Sokoto remains a symbol of unity and moral authority whose interventions have promoted dialogue and national cohesion. Allegations of complicity in insecurity without credible evidence are defamatory and disrespectful to millions who hold the institution in high regard.”
He added that the comments could damage Nigeria’s global image and inflame tensions both within and outside the country.
The group warned that it would explore all legal options in the United States should the lawmaker fail to issue a retraction and apology.
“These claims are false and injurious. We are prepared to seek redress through appropriate legal channels if they are not withdrawn,” Collins said.
While acknowledging international concern over Nigeria’s security situation, the group cautioned foreign officials against making sweeping statements without a proper grasp of the country’s complexities.
According to Collins, tackling insecurity in Nigeria requires collaboration and informed engagement, rather than what he described as sensational claims targeting respected national institutions.
He urged foreign partners to approach Nigeria’s internal challenges with accuracy and restraint, stressing that misrepresentation of key figures would not contribute to lasting solutions.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s reputation abroad and promoting responsible global discourse on the nation’s security challenges.
