THE MINISTER of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has condemned comments credited to former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi calling for protest from Nigerians against the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
Matawalle’s condemnation is contained in a statement on Saturday signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike.
Amaechi, who was Minister of Transportation in the immediate past government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and a former two-term governor of Rivers State, had, in an interview with ABN TV, expressed disappointment at the way Nigerians are responding to the nation’s current economic challenges, stating that he had expected more visible reactions from citizens, particularly the youth.
“I expected more agitation, especially from the youth. I thought we would see protests in the streets, but it seems people are not expressing the kind of anger I expected,” he remarked, adding: “You cannot have a situation where a group of people are mismanaging resources and expect citizens to remain silent. I am truly baffled by the lack of action.”
He also noted: “The price of diesel is at an all-time high, and even some of us are finding it difficult to afford it. Yet, the general public seems unmoved,” he stated.
Reacting, Matawalle condemned Amaechi’s call in the strongest of terms and cautioned the former minister to desist from inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
He also accused the former minister of inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace, expressing deep concern over the dangers posed by such rhetoric.
“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government.
“At a time when President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the nation through various reforms that are yielding results. It is absurd, preposterous and shameful for anyone to exploit the genuine situation of our citizens for selfish political gain,” he said.
The minister reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement will not be tolerated.
“We will not allow anyone to fuel violence or manipulate the prevailing situation of our people,” Matawalle said as he cautioned the former minister not to cast aspersions on government’s genuine intentions for the people.
“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the government to move the country forward, rather than chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” Matawalle added.
