The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, following recent controversial comments aimed at the government of President Bola Tinubu. Matawalle condemned the remarks as “reckless” and “inciting,” stressing that any attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s unity would be met with the full force of the law.
Amaechi, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, called on Nigerian youths to prepare for a struggle in the 2027 general elections, urging them to take matters into their own hands if they hoped to see political change. He described Nigerian politicians as those who “steal, maim, and kill” to cling to power, warning that the 2027 elections would not be a smooth ride. His comments were seen by many as a call to action that risked inciting violence and disorder.
Responding to these remarks on Thursday, Matawalle, who is also a former governor of Zamfara State, condemned the former minister for attempting to radicalize Nigerian youth and create unnecessary political turmoil. Matawalle emphasized that such divisive rhetoric had the potential to destabilize the nation’s security and unity, at a time when the Tinubu administration is focused on consolidating peace and progress.
In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle stated, “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 fan the flames of violence and political unrest.”
It is worth noting that the Defence Minister also reminded Nigerians that the country is governed by the rule of law, not by force, and underscored that any efforts to incite violence would not be tolerated. “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 declared.
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Matawalle’s statement reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining the unity of the country, emphasizing that the President, having lived through both military rule and democratic governance, would never jeopardize the democracy he has spent his career upholding.
It bears mentioning that in his concluding remarks, Matawalle urged Amaechi and others to reconsider their actions. “This government will not stand idly by while individuals attempt to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria,” he said, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the administration’s stance on subversive rhetoric.
