Matawalle Slams Amaechi Over “Reckless” Remarks on Power and Youth Inclusion

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has strongly condemned recent comments made by former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding the transfer of political power in Nigeria.

Amaechi, in a controversial statement, claimed that President Bola Tinubu and the country’s political elite would not willingly hand over power to the younger generation without a struggle.

“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,” Amaechi stated.

Reacting to the remarks, Matawalle described them as “reckless and dangerous,” warning against inciting public unrest. In a statement released on Thursday by Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle stressed that such rhetoric threatens national unity and security.

“It is both reckless and dangerous for a former public office holder to make such inflammatory remarks,” the statement read. “At a time when the government is working tirelessly to consolidate national unity and security, no responsible leader should be fanning the flames of violence and political unrest.”

The minister further cautioned Amaechi against misleading young Nigerians with what he called a “warped narrative of violence and anarchy.” He reiterated that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation governed by law and that any attempt to incite instability would be met with firm action.

“Let me make it clear: the security agencies are on high alert. Any individual or group found inciting violence or attempting to destabilize this nation will face the full force of the law,” Matawalle warned.

“We will not tolerate any form of subversive rhetoric that seeks to undermine national unity or incite lawlessness.”

Emphasizing the importance of democratic values, Matawalle reminded the former governor that power is earned through legitimate political processes, not intimidation or violence.

He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding peace, democracy, and security across the country.

“This government will not fold its arms and allow any individual to disrupt the peace and stability of Nigeria,” the minister stated.