The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has lambasted former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi over his recent comments on Nigerian politicians.
Amaechi had said those in power are only good at stealing, killing and holding power by all means.
Speaking at a national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria, Amaechi spoke on governance, political integrity and the unwillingness of the ruling class to let go of power.
He said President Bola Tinubu like other political leaders would not step aside for the younger generation without a fight.
According to him, Nigerian voters are easily swayed by political gimmicks and financial inducements and that’s why politicians can get away with anything.
He said: “All we have here is typical of Nigerians. They will be clapping. That’s why politicians get away with anything. They get away with murder because they have a short memory. None of you here can defend your votes. The politician is here to steal, to maim, to kill and to hold power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time. When we speak, we forget history.”
This generated a lot of reactions with Matawalle describing it as reckless and irresponsible.
In a statement by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle dismissed Amaechi’s statement saying political power in Nigeria is determined through democratic process not force or intimidation.
He said the Tinubu administration is committed to peace, democratic values and national security.
In his response, Matawalle warned that such statement from a former government official can spark chaos at a time when the country is seeking unity and stability.
“It is reckless and irresponsible for a former public office holder to make such statement. At a time the government is working hard to consolidate national unity and security, no leader should be fanning the embers of violence and political crisis,” he said.
He also warned against misleading the young ones, saying any individual or group found inciting violence or trying to destabilise the country will face the law.
“Let me make it clear: the security agencies are on high alert. Any individual or group found inciting violence or trying to destabilise this country will face the full weight of the law. We will not tolerate any form of subversive talk that will undermine national unity or incite lawlessness. This government will not fold its arms and let any individual disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria.”