Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has strongly condemned recent comments made by Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State, in which he expressed disappointment with Nigerians for their response to the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
In his remarks, Amaechi suggested that Nigerians should protest against politicians amid the widespread economic hardship.
“There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” Amaechi had said.
Reacting to this statement, Matawalle described Amaechi’s remarks as “reckless and irresponsible,” noting that they incite Nigerians against their own government.
In a statement issued by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, on Saturday, Matawalle condemned Amaechi for exploiting the current economic difficulties for political gain.
“At a time when President Bola Ahmed 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,” the statement read.
Matawalle emphasized that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to ensuring peace and security for all Nigerians, warning that any attempts to destabilize the country through incitement would not be tolerated.
He urged Amaechi to refrain from casting aspersions on the government’s “genuine intentions for the people” and instead work toward the collective goal of moving the country forward.
“We will not allow anyone to fuel violence or manipulate the prevailing situation of our people. Let this serve as a final warning to Amaechi and his cohorts,” Matawalle added.
He further criticized Amaechi for choosing to remain on the sidelines with “myopic assertions,” instead of contributing positively to national development.
