The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, urging him to cease making inflammatory and violent remarks, or face severe legal consequences. This comes after Amaechi made a shocking statement at a recent conference in Abuja, where he suggested that Nigerian politicians must engage in theft, violence, and bloodshed to retain power.
Matawalle did not hold back in his condemnation of Amaechi’s controversial comments. He described the former minister’s words as “reckless,” “dangerous,” and a direct threat to Nigeria’s national security. In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence on January 30, 2025, Matawalle stressed the importance of peaceful governance and national unity, calling out Amaechi for attempting to undermine both.
“It is irresponsible and destructive for any public figure, especially someone with a history in leadership, to make such reckless statements,” Matawalle said. “Such utterances are not only an insult to the intelligence of the Nigerian people but also pose a direct threat to the peace and stability that the government has worked tirelessly to uphold.”
Amaechi’s comments, made during a political gathering in Abuja, called for politicians to take extreme actions to maintain power, including “stealing, maiming, and killing.” These remarks have sparked widespread outrage across the country, with many viewing them as a dangerous call to radicalize the youth and destabilize the country’s political and social fabric.
Dr. Matawalle, who has long been a defender of democratic principles and a key figure in the fight for Nigeria’s unity, further warned that the government would not tolerate any attempts to spread anarchy or violence. He made it clear that the country’s security agencies are on high alert and that anyone found responsible for fanning the flames of violence would be met with the full force of the law.
“The security agencies are monitoring the situation closely,” Matawalle asserted. “Those who believe they can manipulate the youth into chaos will face the consequences of their actions. Nigeria is a sovereign state, governed by the rule of law, and we will not allow anyone to turn our nation into a battleground for political power.”
The Defence Minister’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s leadership is working to consolidate the achievements made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Matawalle reminded Nigerians that the country is governed by democratic norms and that power is earned through the will of the people, not through violence, intimidation, or bloodshed.
“The government under President Tinubu is committed to ensuring that democracy prevails and that the progress we have made as a nation continues,” Matawalle affirmed. “We must reject the rhetoric of violence and anarchy that some politicians are promoting, and focus on building a peaceful, prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
In a pointed rebuke, Dr. Matawalle also addressed the broader issue of political figures who engage in what he referred to as the “pull him down syndrome,” a destructive tactic that seeks to undermine political opponents for personal gain. He labeled Amaechi’s comments as part of this toxic political environment, one that prioritizes chaos over constructive dialogue.
“The politics of destruction is not what Nigeria needs,” Matawalle said. “We need leaders who will promote peace, who will strengthen the bonds of unity among our people, and who will work to build a better future for the next generation.”
Despite the tension stirred by Amaechi’s words, Matawalle expressed confidence in the current administration’s ability to continue making strides in securing Nigeria’s future. He cited several key achievements made by President Tinubu’s government and emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remains a beacon of democracy and stability in the region.
“President Tinubu’s government is dedicated to national unity, and this administration will not be distracted by the provocations of a few individuals who are out of touch with the realities of governance in Nigeria,” Matawalle declared. “The future is bright for our country, and we will not let anyone disrupt the progress we are making.”
The Defence Minister also took the opportunity to reassure the public that the government will continue to uphold its responsibility to protect the security of all Nigerians. He emphasized that the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, is fully committed to preventing any form of political violence or unrest, and will take decisive action against those who incite such behavior.
“We are watching closely,” Matawalle warned. “The law will take its course. No one is above the law, and anyone found guilty of spreading violence or instability will face severe consequences.”
Amaechi’s remarks have caused a stir in Nigeria’s political circles, with many questioning the motivations behind such extreme language. Critics argue that his call for violence runs contrary to the values of democracy and peace that the country has worked hard to establish since the end of military rule.
As tensions rise, Matawalle’s strong words signal the government’s resolve to clamp down on any attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s political and social landscape. The Minister’s warning to Amaechi serves as a clear message to all those who seek to promote an agenda of violence and division: the government will not stand idly by.
