Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has strongly condemned former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi’s recent comments, describing them as reckless and inciting. Amaechi allegedly declared at a conference in Abuja that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power.¹
Matawalle emphasized that such remarks insult Nigerians’ intelligence, radicalize the youth, and destabilize national peace and security. He warned that fanning the flames of violence and unrest is irresponsible, especially when the government is working to consolidate unity and security.
The Minister cautioned against misleading young Nigerians with a narrative of violence and anarchy, stressing that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws, not brute force. He reminded Amaechi that power is earned through democracy, not intimidation or lawlessness.
Matawalle reiterated President Tinubu’s administration commitment to upholding peace, democratic values, and national security. He urged Amaechi to refrain from inciting violence, emphasizing that any attempts to destabilize the country will not be tolerated.
