Matawalle condemns Amaechi’s remarks, calls for unity, peace
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has strongly condemned the reckless and provocative comments made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, concerning the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a recent conference in Abuja, Amaechi controversially stated that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power, a declaration that Dr. Matawalle described as both irresponsible and inflammatory.
According to the Defence Minister, Amaechi’s remarks insult the intelligence of Nigerians and risk inciting violence, potentially destabilizing the nation’s peace and security.
“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”, Matawalle remarked.
Matawalle cautioned against any attempt to mislead Nigerian youth with a distorted narrative of violence and lawlessness, stressing that Nigeria is governed by laws and not through brute force.
He emphasized that the country’s leadership, under President Tinubu, is committed to upholding democracy, peace, and the safety of all Nigerians.
“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,” Matawalle warned.
The Minister reminded Amaechi that power is earned through democratic processes, not through violence or intimidation.
He reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to national progress and the security of Nigeria, stating that, having experienced both military rule and democracy, he would never undermine the very system he fought to uphold.
Dr. Matawalle also highlighted the significant achievements of the current administration, expressing confidence that President Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential elections.
He urged Nigerians to trust in the leadership of President Tinubu and disregard the statements of Amaechi, who he described as politically irrelevant and disconnected from the realities of national 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 said.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will continue to monitor any activities aimed at disturbing public peace, ensuring that anyone found guilty faces severe consequences.
