In response to a controversial statement made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern warning.
Amaechi, speaking at a recent conference in Abuja, claimed that Nigerian politicians must ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to retain power, adding that President Bola Tinubu would not relinquish power to the younger generation without a struggle.
Matawalle, through a statement from the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, condemned Amaechi’s remarks as reckless and incendiary.
He argued that the statement was designed to incite violence, undermine the leadership of President Tinubu, and threaten the nation’s peace and security.
The minister further stated that Amaechi’s words insulted the intelligence of Nigerians and posed a serious risk of radicalizing the youth, potentially destabilizing the country.
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Matawalle said: “It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks. 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.”
The Minister also warned against efforts to deceive young Nigerians with distorted views of violence and chaos, stressing that Nigeria is a sovereign country ruled by law, not a lawless territory where power is taken by force.
“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,” Matawalle warned.
The Minister reminded Amaechi that power is gained through democratic processes, not through intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.
He emphasised that President Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to maintaining peace, upholding democratic values, and ensuring the security of all Nigerians.
“The President’s commitment to our nation’s unity and progress is unwavering,” he stated. “Having lived through both military rule and democratic governance, he will never compromise the democracy he has worked tirelessly to protect.”
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Pointing to the accomplishments of the current administration in a short period, Matawalle confidently predicted that President Tinubu would secure a decisive win in the 2027 Presidential election.
He urged Nigerians to trust in the leadership of President Tinubu GCFR, advising them to ignore the harsh criticisms from Amaechi and his allies, whom he described as politically disconnected and out of touch with the nation’s development.
“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,” he added.
The statement also noted that the Ministry of Defence, working with relevant security agencies, will continue to monitor any activities that threaten public peace and ensure that those responsible face strict penalties.
