The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged Nigerians to refrain from making provocative statements about the administration headed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, such words are unnecessary, and such comments are destructive and can cause violence.
Prominent Nigerians like the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, recently lamented the hardship in Nigeria and called on those in authority to come to the aid of the poor and vulnerable.
Similarly, on Wednesday, the Nigerian Bar Association decried the spate of insecurity and the parlous state of the nation’s economy, calling on the government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.
However, a statement on Friday by the Director of Press, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle noted that Tinubu is on top of the situation.
The statement read, “The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, cautioned Nigerians against using inflammatory comments against the government, saying that such comments are unnecessary.
“The minister made this call against the backdrop of some unguarded utterances coming from some sections of the populace.
“He said such comments are incisive and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation. Matawalle said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capacity and political will and he is working round the clock to see that Nigeria is better and a well-secured nation.”
The minister also said Tinubu has put in place various policies to reshape and modernize the nation’s economy, and secure lives, and properties.
The statement added, “The President has given priority to the safety of citizens by equipping the Nigerian Military to function optimally while the Service Chiefs have also been charged to rebuild the capacity of the Security Services.
“Matawalle said that the President understands the nexus between insecurity and poverty and that was why the government is increasing its investment in MSMEs. This is in addition to the 15illion vulnerable households that will be added to the extended social safety net.
“He said just a few days ago, the President approved the creation of a committee that included the State Governors and Federal representatives that will explore among other things the possibility of establishing State Police that will help in checkmating crimes.”
The minister, however, underscored the importance of unity, stating that what affects one Nigerian ultimately affects the entire nation.
“It is imperative for us as Nigerians to embrace dialogue and understanding in addressing our differences. We must remember that our strength lies in our diversity, and only through unity can we overcome the challenges facing our nation,” he said.
Matawalle noted that unwarranted utterances against the government would have consequences.
“He advised the agents of disunity to refrain from further unwarranted utterances, as such will have consequences
“Matawalle urged all citizens to prioritise peace, tolerance, and national cohesion in their words and action, as we collectively strive towards building a prosperous and harmonious Nigeria,” he said.
