Hardship: ‘Final warning’ – Defence minister reads riot act to Amaechi over call for protest

• Amaechi last week expressed dissatisfaction with the situation of things in the country, saying Nigerians should be protesting the hardship in the country

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to Rotimi Amaechi after the former Rivers State called on Nigerians to take to the street over the dire and troubling state of the nation.

Amaechi last week expressed dissatisfaction with the situation of things in the country, saying Nigerians should be protesting the hardship in the country.

Reacting to Amaechi’s remark, Matawalle accused him of inciting violence and unrest among the Nigerian populace

Matawalle in a statement released by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, on Saturday, warned the former Minister of Transport to refrain from making inflammatory remarks that threaten the peace and stability of the nation.

Matawalle expressed deep concern over the dangers such rhetoric portends, describing it as preposterous and shameless.

“It is both reckless and irresponsible for a former public servant of Amaechi’s standing to incite Nigerians against their own government,” he 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,” Matawalle added.

The minister 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,” Matawalle stated emphatically.

“It is expected that Amaechi joins hand with the Government to move the country forward, rather he chose to stay aside with myopic assertions,” the minister added