The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has berated former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi for asking Nigerians to protest hardship occasioned by President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja by Henshaw Ogubike, the ministry’s spokesman, Mr Matawalle, accused the former minister of inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace.

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

In a recent interview, where he spoke about the recent governorship election in Edo, Mr Amaechi said Nigerians should have boycotted and remonstrated against the hunger and economic crisis plaguing the country by Mr Tinubu’s harsh economic policies.

“Look at what happened in Edo. Should any politician be campaigning in Edo? People should be angry. There should be protest(s); not protest against anybody but against politicians; that ‘we will not vote; there will be no election in our state’,” Mr Amaechi asserted. “That’s what people should be saying because of the rate of hunger now. If people like us can’t afford diesel, you can imagine what’s happening to others.” 

But Mr Matawalle cautioned Mr Amaechi against inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.

Mr Matawalle also expressed deep concern over the dangers posed by such rhetoric, saying, “At a time when President Bola 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 further reiterated Mr Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement will not be tolerated.

“We will not allow anyone to fuel violence or manipulate the prevailing situation of our people,” said the minister.

Mr Matawalle also cautioned the former minister not to cast aspersions on the government’s genuine intentions for the people.

“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the government to move the country forward rather than choose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” he added. 

(NAN)