Security forces will deal with politicians inciting violence, Matawalle warns

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has warned that security agencies will monitor and deal with politicians inciting violence against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He stated this while reacting to the statement by a former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, that Nigerian politicians “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power.

Matawalle condemned in strong terms the recent utterances regarding the leadership of President Tinubu, describing them as reckless and dangerous.

He said: “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.

“The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, will continue to monitor activities aimed at disrupting public peace and will ensure that anyone found culpable faces severe consequences.”

The minister in a statement on Friday by the Director of Information, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said Amaechi’s assertion did not only insult the intelligence of Nigerians but also dangerously sought to radicalise the youth and destabilise the peace and security of the nation.

“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,” he said.

Matawalle cautioned against any attempt to mislead young Nigerians with a warped narrative of violence and anarchy, emphasising 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 warned.

The minister said contrary to Amaechi’s claims, power is earned through democracy, not through intimidation, violence or lawlessness.

He reiterated that the Tinubu administration remains committed to upholding peace, democratic values, and the security of all Nigerians.

“His commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation is unwavering,” he added.

Matawalle said that having experienced both military rule and democratic governance, President Tinubu would never undermine the very democracy he has fought to uphold.

He expressed confidence that the President would secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians “to disregard the vituperations of Amaechi and his associates” whom he described as politically irrelevant and out of touch with current realities of national development.