Matawalle to Amaechi: Asking Nigerians to protest over hardship is reckless and irresponsible

Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, has condemned recent remarks from Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state.

Amaechi had said he is disappointed in Nigerians for their seeming laid-back disposition to the economic hardship sweeping through the country.

“There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” he had said.

In a statement on Saturday issued by Henshaw Ogubike, the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Matawalle said Amaechi’s comments were “shameful”.

“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government,” the statement reads.

“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 said President Bola Tinubu is committed to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian.

He warned that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement will not be tolerated.

Matawalle cautioned Amaechi against casting aspersions on government’s “genuine intentions for the people”.

“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,” the defence minister added.

“It is expected that Amaechi joins hand with the Government to move the country forward. Rather, he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions.”