The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has condemned in strong terms what he described as “reckless and inciting utterances” made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a recent conference in Abuja, Amaechi was reported to have said that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power. In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle described Amaechi’s comments as an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians and a ‘’dangerous attempt to radicalize the youth and destabilize the nation.”
“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” Matawalle said. “At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should be fanning the flames of violence and political unrest.”
He added, “Let me make it clear: the security agencies are on high alert. Any individual or group found inciting violence or attempting to destabilize this nation will face the full force of the law. We will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness.”
The Minister also emphasized that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws and not a jungle where power can be seized through brute force. He said, “Power is earned through democracy, not through intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.”
Highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to peace and progress, Matawalle stated, “His commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation is unwavering. Having experienced both military rule and democratic governance, he would never undermine the very democracy he has fought to uphold.”
Confident in the administration’s achievements, Matawalle noted, “President Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 Presidential election.” He called on Nigerians to “place their faith in the leadership of President Tinubu GCFR” and urged them to “disregard the vituperations of Amaechi and his associates, whom he described as politically irrelevant and out of touch with current realities of national development.”
He further warned, “Amaechi and others who think they can manipulate our youth into chaos should rethink their actions. This government will not fold its arms and allow any individual to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria.”
The statement concluded with Matawalle affirming that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will continue to monitor activities aimed at disrupting public peace. He stated, “Anyone found culpable will face severe consequences.”
