The minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle has criticized the recent comments from Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state.
Amaechi had said that he is disappointed in Nigerians for their seeming laid-back disposition to the widespread economic hardship in the country.
“There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’,” he had said.
But in a statement released on Saturday issued by Henshaw Ogubike, the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Matawalle said Amaechi’s remarks 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.”
Matawalle added that President Bola Tinubu is committed to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian.
The minister warned that any attempts to destabilise the country with instigations will not be tolerated.
He also 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.”