Matawalle Slams Amaechi For Inciting Violence, Urges Him To ‘Stop Weaponising Our People’s Pain’

Matawalle and Amaechi

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, has issued a stern rebuke to former Minister of Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of inciting violence and unrest in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, launched a blistering attack on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to protest against the worsening economic conditions characterised by hunger, high cost of living, and widespread poverty.

In an interview with ABN TV, Amaechi expressed his frustration at the lack of public outcry over the worsening economic situation, questioning why citizens have not taken to the streets to demand change.

But Dr. Matawalle warned Amaechi to stop making inflammatory remarks that endanger the nation’s peace and stability in a statement issued on Saturday, October 12th, 2024, by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations.

Dr. Matawalle was deeply concerned about Amaechi’s recent remarks, stating that “it is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government.”

He stressed that at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is diligently working to address the nation’s challenges through various reforms, it is “absurd, preposterous and shameful for anyone to exploit the genuine situation of our citizens for selfish political gain.”

The Minister reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring the peace and security of all Nigerians, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement would not be tolerated.

“We will not allow anyone to incite violence or manipulate the current situation of our people. “Let this serve as a final warning to Amaechi and his cohorts,” Dr. Matawalle said emphatically.

He also warned Amaechi against casting doubt on the government’s genuine intentions for the people, urging him to collaborate with the government to move the country forward rather than making naive claims.

The statement comes amid rising tensions and unrest in Nigeria, where many citizens are facing economic hardship and security concerns.

The Ministry of Defence’s public condemnation demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, as well as its determination to respond to any attempts to undermine national stability.