Tinubu govt warns Rotimi Amaechi to stop inciting violence or face consequences
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has vehemently condemned what he described as the reckless and inciting utterances made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
News Band reported that while speaking at a recent conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development in Abuja, Mr. Amaechi declared that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power.
He noted that Nigerians’ lack of collective action and willingness to defend their votes is the reason politicians continue to misbehave.
According to the former Governor of Rivers State, Nigerians are not ready to make any sacrifice, not even to defend their votes.
Amaechi said, “That’s why politicians get away with everything.”
He compared the Nigerian political climate with that of Ghana, where citizens were willing to make sacrifices to protect their democracy.
He said before Ghana’s last election, people were ready to die for their democracy. But in Nigeria, people are only good at talking, abusing everyone, without taking action.
Amaechi also lambasted Nigerian leaders, particularly President Tinubu, stating that those who expect him to easily give up power in 2027 are “wasting their time.”
He explained that Nigerians must understand the political system is designed to keep the powerful in charge, and anyone hoping for a miracle to bring power to the people will be disappointed.
But reacting to Amaechi’s remark on Friday, Matawalle, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said such comments undermine national security and risk radicalising the Nigerian youth.
“The assertion attributed to Amaechi is not only an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians but also a dangerous attempt to destabilise the peace and security of the nation,” Matawalle said.
The minister further explained that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will continue to monitor individuals and groups attempting to incite unrest.
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He warned that anyone found culpable would face severe consequences.
The statement reads, “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.”
Also, Matawalle warned against any attempt to mislead young Nigerians with a warped narrative of violence and anarchy, stressing that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws, not a jungle where power is seized through brute force.
“Let me make it clear: the security agencies are on high alert. Any individual or group found inciting violence or attempting to destabilise 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 or incite lawlessness,” he said.
He emphasised to Amaechi that power is gained through democratic means, not through intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.
Matawalle reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining peace, upholding democratic principles, and ensuring the security of all Nigerians.
“His commitment 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,” he said.
Matawalle highlighted the achievements of the current administration, expressing confidence that President Tinubu will win convincingly in the 2027 presidential election.
He urged Nigerians to trust Tinubu’s leadership and dismiss criticisms from Amaechi and his allies, whom he described as out of touch with the country’s progress and politically irrelevant.
“Amaechi and others trying to mislead young people into causing unrest should reconsider their actions. This government will not stand by and allow anyone to disrupt Nigeria’s peace and stability,” he said.
