••Says it’s Reckless And Dangerous
By John Audu.
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has issued a stern warning to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, following what he characterized as reckless and incendiary comments regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. Speaking at a recent conference in Abuja, Amaechi reportedly suggested that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to retain power—remarks that Matawalle vehemently condemned as not only disrespectful to Nigerians but also a perilous attempt to incite youth violence and undermine national security.
“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” Dr. Matawalle stated. “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.”
Matawalle cautioned against misleading young Nigerians with narratives that promote violence and chaos, asserting, “Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws, not a jungle where power is seized through brute force.” He emphasized that security agencies are on high alert, warning that any individual or group inciting violence will be met with the full force of the law.
The statement, issued by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward subversive rhetoric that threatens national unity and lawfulness. Matawalle reminded Amaechi that power is attained through democratic means, not through intimidation or violence, reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to peace, democratic values, and national security.
“President Tinubu’s dedication 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,” Matawalle affirmed.
Highlighting the administration’s achievements in a short timeframe, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu would secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election. Matawalle urged Nigerians to trust in Tinubu’s leadership and dismiss the remarks of Amaechi and his associates, whom he described as “politically irrelevant and out of touch with 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 concluded.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with security agencies, will continue to monitor activities that threaten public peace and ensure that anyone found culpable faces severe consequences.
