“Matawalle Slams Amaechi’s ‘Reckless’ Remarks, Warns of Dire Consequences”
Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has sharply condemned the remarks made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of making inciting and reckless statements regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
In a recent speech at a conference in Abuja, Amaechi allegedly claimed that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to stay in power—a comment that Matawalle labeled as not only deeply insulting to Nigerians but also a dangerous call to violence, which could destabilize the country’s security.
Reacting to this, Dr. Matawalle stated: “It is not only reckless but also hazardous for someone who has held public office to make such inflammatory statements. While our government is working tirelessly to strengthen national unity and security, no responsible leader should be fueling political unrest or encouraging violence.”
He continued by warning against the manipulation of young Nigerians with narratives promoting anarchy, stressing, “Nigeria is a sovereign nation, governed by laws, not a chaotic battlefield where power is seized through violence.”
Matawalle also emphasized the readiness of Nigeria’s security forces, saying: “Security agencies are on high alert. Any person or group found stoking violence or attempting to destabilize our nation will face the full weight of the law.”
The statement, signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, underscored the government’s firm stance against rhetoric aimed at destabilizing the nation.
He reminded Amaechi that power is earned through democratic means, not through force or intimidation, reiterating that President Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in preserving peace, security, and democratic values.
“President Tinubu’s commitment to the prosperity and unity of Nigeria is steadfast. He understands the importance of democracy, having lived through both military rule and democratic governance,” Matawalle asserted.
In closing, he expressed confidence that Tinubu’s administration will secure a decisive win in the upcoming 2027 presidential elections. Matawalle urged Nigerians to place their trust in the government’s leadership and to disregard Amaechi’s remarks, which he dismissed as “politically irrelevant and out of touch with the realities of national development.”
Matawalle also warned those who attempt to manipulate the youth into creating chaos, saying: “This government will not sit idly by while individuals seek to disrupt Nigeria’s peace and stability.”
The Ministry of Defence, in close collaboration with security agencies, will remain vigilant, ensuring any actions threatening public peace will be met with severe legal repercussions, Matawalle concluded.
