Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, on Thursday, slammed those advocating for the change of the democratically elected Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to the present economic situation in the country, describing them as agents of darkness.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike.
According to the statement, the Minister warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that Government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.
“The call for violent change of government by the Military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the Military has come to reality with democratic Government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution”.
The Minister while warning against the dangerous allure of coups, said “Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present Government, there will be no Military takeover of power.”
He emphasised the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the Constitution.
According to him, “The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of destabilisation as Nigeria has a democratic Government in place and democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dividends of democracy are being delivered.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundamental human rights are being respected.
“In addition, some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statements on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution which they will never do because they have been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.
“However, consequent to this and other extenuating factors, the Ministry of Defence is warning all the propagators calling for truncation of the constitutional Government to desist from it and face the democratic reality on ground as the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has directed Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.
“Nigeria is a peaceful country where citizens enterprise, no uprising, no mass protest, and just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to calling for military intervention which has no place in modern realities. The military is highly professionalised with good Civil-Military relationships and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority.
“I urge all Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith with the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts at making Nigeria great”.
Dr Matawalle reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the constitution and uphold democracy and assured the public of the military readiness to ensure the safety and security of the nation.