Matawalle to Amaechi: Security on high alert over your claim politicians kill for power

Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, has condemned recent remarks by Rotimi Amaechi, former minister and ex-governor of Rivers state.

Amaechi had said President Bola Tinubu and other members of the political class would not cede power to the younger generation without a fight.

“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” the ex-minister said.

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

“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” the statement reads.

“At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should be fanning the flames of violence and political unrest.”

The minister warned Amaechi against misleading young Nigerians with “a warped narrative of violence and anarchy”, while highlighting Nigeria’s sovereignty under laws.

“Let me make it clear: the security agencies are on high alert. Any individual or group found inciting violence or attempting to destabilize this nation will face the full force of the law,” Matawalle warned.

“We will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness.”

Matawalle told the ex-governor that power is earned through democracy, not intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.

He said the Tinubu administration is committed to upholding peace, democratic values, and security for all Nigerians.

“This government will not fold its arms and allow any individual to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria,” the minister added.