By Ade Imodoye
Another salvo has been fired at former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who described a statement credited to the former as derogatory, inflamatoty and self degrading .
In a statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle issued a “stern warning” to Amaechi, who was also former Governor of Rivers State, urging him to desist from making remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.
The Minister of State on Defence expressed deep concern over the dangers posed by such ‘rhetoric’ .
“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government, ,” he said
Dr. Matawalle said. “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.”
He further reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the peace and security of every Nigerian, warning that any attempts to destabilize the country through incitement will 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,” Dr. Matawalle stated emphatically.
The Defence Minister cautioned Amaechi not to cast aspersions on government genuine intentions for the people. It is expected that Amaechi joins hand with the Government to move the country forward, rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions.
In an interview with a private television, the former Rivers State governor questioned why Nigerians are not more vocal in their outrage, pointing to rising costs and the inability of many to afford basic necessities such as fuel.
“I’m angry with the citizens. I have said it several times. You can see a group of people stealing your money, impoverishing you, you cannot buy fuel and anything,” he had stated.
Drawing attention to Edo State, Amaechi remarked on the ongoing political campaigns and questioned the rationale behind them, given the economic challenges the people are enduring.
“Look at what happened in Edo State. Should any politician be campaigning in Edo?” he asked, adding that the citizens should be taking stronger stances against the political class.“
The people should be angry. There should be protests. Not even protests against anybody, but against the politicians that ‘we won’t vote’. There won’t be any election in our state.”
He emphasised that Nigerians should rise and send a clear message, not through violence, but by withholding their participation in elections until their needs are prioritized.
“That is what people should be saying. The rate of hunger now… if people like us cannot afford diesel, you can imagine what is happening to those who do not have children like us.”
In a biting comment on the country’s declining economic situation, Amaechi said, “somebody said what this government has achieved is that it has made Nigerians strong in the sense that Nigerians now trek.”
