Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has strongly condemned former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for what he called reckless and incendiary remarks about Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
At a recent conference in Abuja, Amaechi allegedly stated that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to retain power, a statement Matawalle denounced as both an affront to Nigerians and a dangerous incitement that could radicalise the youth and threaten national security.
Reacting to the statement, Dr. Matawalle said, It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public officeholder to make such inflammatory remarks. At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should fan the flames of violence and political unrest.”
He further warned against any attempt to mislead young Nigerians with a distorted narrative of violence and anarchy, emphasizing that “Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws, not a jungle where power is seized through brute force.”
“Let me make it clear: 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,” he added.
The statement, issued by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the government’s zero tolerance for any subversive rhetoric intended to undermine national unity or incite disorder.
Matawalle reminded Amaechi that power is attained through democratic means, not intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.
He reaffirmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to maintaining peace, upholding democratic principles, and ensuring national security.
“President Tinubu’s 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,” he stated.
Emphasizing the administration’s swift accomplishments, Dr. Matawalle confidently predicted a resounding victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
He called on Nigerians to trust Tinubu’s leadership and dismiss the statements made by Amaechi and his allies, whom he labeled as “politically irrelevant and disconnected from the realities of national development.”
“Amaechi and others who believe they can manipulate our youth into chaos should rethink their actions. This government will not stand idly by while individuals attempt to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria,” he added.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with security agencies, will continue to monitor activities aimed at disrupting public peace and will ensure that anyone found culpable faces severe consequences, Matawalle concluded.
