By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has cautioned those calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to desist from their inglorious call, noting that the Government would not treat those behind it with kid glove.
Dr. Matawalle, also said that those calling for the undemocratic change of the government are agents of darkness, and coup mongers.
The Minister in a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, said, 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 further warned against the dangerous allure of coups, stressing, “Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present Government, there will be no Military takeover of power”.
Noting the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution, the Minister said, “The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of distabilization 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 Tinubu, he said, 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.
Some mischief makers, the Minister said posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution of which they will never do because they have been aligned with democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.
“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 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 call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities. The military is highly professionalised with good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority,” the statement concluded.
