The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has strongly condemned the recent comments made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing them as reckless and dangerous.
Amaechi, while speaking at a recent conference in Abuja, allegedly stated that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to retain power.
Dr. Matawalle criticized the remark as an attempt to incite violence and mislead Nigerian youth, warning that such rhetoric threatens national security.
“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” Matawalle stated.
“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 reaffirmed that Nigeria is a democratic nation governed by law, not a jungle where power is seized through force.
He assured Nigerians that security agencies are on high alert and will take decisive action against anyone found inciting violence or attempting to destabilize the country.
“Let me make it clear: the security agencies are watching closely. Anyone attempting to incite violence or disrupt the peace of this country will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
Dr. Matawalle also dismissed Amaechi’s remarks as an example of the “politics of pull-him-down syndrome,” asserting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains focused on governance and national development.
He expressed confidence that President Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027, urging Nigerians to ignore what he called the “irrelevant and baseless” statements from Amaechi and his associates.
“Amaechi and others who think they can manipulate our youth into chaos should rethink their actions. This government will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize Nigeria,” he added.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the nation.
It warned that any individual or group found culpable of inciting unrest would face serious consequences.
LV