The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a warning to former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over his recent remarks concerning the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amaechi had declared that Nigerian politicians must “steal, maim, and kill” to remain in power.
Amaechi made the remark at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held earlier this week, aimed at discussing pathways to good governance and political integrity in Nigeria.
“You are talking and abusing everybody. Nobody has power and will give it to you — not even me. If you want a pastor as president, go and get one.
“The politician is there in Nigeria to steal, maim, and kill to remain in power. If you think Tinubu will give it to you, you are wasting your time,” he had said.
Matawalle said Amaechi’s remarks are a dangerous attempt to radicalize the youth and destabilize national security.
“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” Matawalle said. “At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should fan the flames of violence and political unrest.”
The Defence Minister warned against any attempt to mislead young Nigerians with a distorted narrative of violence and anarchy. “Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by laws, not a jungle where power is seized through brute force,” he added.
Matawalle also reminded Amaechi that power is earned through democracy, not through intimidation, violence, or lawlessness.
Matawalle reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to upholding peace, democratic values, and national security. “President Tinubu’s commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation is unwavering,” he stated. “Having experienced both military rule and democratic governance, he would never undermine the very democracy he has fought to uphold.”
The Defence Minister also said that President Tinubu will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 presidential election. He urged Nigerians to place their trust in Tinubu’s leadership and disregard the remarks of Amaechi and his associates, whom he described as “politically irrelevant and out of touch with the realities of national development.”