As the Secretary-General of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), I, H.E. Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, have a clear message: the time for change is now. In collaboration with the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA), we are calling for the immediate redeployment of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, from the Ministry of Defence.

Our assessment report on the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria reveals that Matawalle's presence in the ministry is a major obstacle to success. Allegations of links with bandits, shielding of bandit leaders, and facilitation of ransom payments have eroded public trust and compromised the moral authority of the security campaign.

I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's uncommon political will in tackling insecurity, but I stress that internal bottlenecks must be removed. Matawalle's limited security background and mounting calls for his removal have drawn unwelcome international attention to Nigeria's defence leadership.

The recent bandit attack in Niger State, which killed over 30 people, is a stark reminder that terrorism is far from defeated. It's time for a surgical cleansing of the defence system, and Matawalle's redeployment is a critical step.

I urge President Tinubu to treat this as a governance move, not a sanction, to tighten the security chain, reassure Nigerians, and fast-track victory against terrorism. The integrity of Nigeria's security apparatus is at stake. Allowing individuals under scrutiny to remain in leadership roles compromises institutional efficacy and credibility.

Let us unite to defeat terrorism and build a safer Nigeria. The people demand change, and we must act.

Recommendations:

- Immediate redeployment of Bello Matawalle from the Ministry of Defence

- Strengthening of security leadership with experienced and credible officials

- Enhanced international cooperation to combat terrorism

- Support for victims of terrorism and their families

Together, we can make a difference.