Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has condemned the call by a former governor, Rotimi Amaechi for youths to protest the growing hardship and economic crisis experienced in the country.
Mr Matawalle, also a former governor accused Amaechi of inciting violence and unrest among the people.
Recall that Mr Amaechi in a recent video interview said he was surprised that Nigerian youth are yet to hit the streets in protest of the hardship and high cost of living faced across the country.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, October 13, 2024, by his media aide, Mr Matawalle warned Mr Amaechi against issuing such “inflammatory remarks”.
According to the defence minister, such utterances by Mr Amaechi could threaten the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria.
He said, “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 Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the nation through various reforms that are yielding results,” Mr Matawalle said.
He also noted that it is unbelievable and shameful that anyone could use the situation to exploit Nigerians for their personal gains.
According to Mr Matawalle, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to protecting the citizens and would go to any length to stop any individual or group who plans to destabilise the peace of the nation.
Further cautioning the former Rivers State governor against making such utterances, the Defence Minister urged Mr Amaechi to quit casting aspersions on the government’s genuine intentions for the people.
He also encouraged him to rather than, stoke violence among the youths, he should join hands with the government of the day to bring development to the people.
He added, “Let this serve as a final warning to Amaechi and his cohorts.”
