By Abiola Olawale
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a strong warning to the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.
Matawalle also warned Amaechi, the immediate past Minister of Transportation to desist from allegedly inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace.
Matawalle in a statement released by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said Amaechi has been allegedly making inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
Matawalle expressed deep concern over the dangers posed by such rhetoric.
The statement reads in part: “It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their 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.
“It is absurd, preposterous and shameful for anyone to exploit the genuine situation of our citizens for selfish political gain.”
The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilize the country through incitement will not be tolerated.
“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.
“It is expected that Amaechi joins hand with the Government to move the country forward, rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” the minister added.
It would be recalled that Amaechi had expressed his frustration with the severe economic hardship.
Speaking with the press, Amaechi questioned why Nigerians are not more vocal in their outrage, pointing to rising costs and the inability of many to afford necessities such as fuel.
The former governor of Rivers said even he can no longer afford diesel.
Amaechi said he expected youths to storm different streets and protest against the high cost of living.
He said: “I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you; you cannot buy fuel or anything.
“The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’.
“That is what people should be saying. The rate of hunger now… if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us.
“Somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians to be strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.”
