Minister of state for defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has warned former Rivers State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, to stop weaponising the pain of Nigerians against the federal government.
Amaechi had called on Nigerians to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s policies which have caused untold hardships in the country.
But the minister, in a statement by the director of information Henshaw Ogubike condemned Amaechi’s statement, accusing him of inciting violence and unrest among the populace.
Matawalle urged the former minister to desist from making inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
He expressed concern over the dangers posed by such statements.
He said, “It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government 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.”
He further reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguard the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilise the country through incitement would not be tolerated.
“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,” he said.
The minister also cautioned Amaechi not to cast aspersions on government’s genuine intentions for the people.
“It is expected that Amaechi joins hands with the government to move the country forward ,rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” he said.
