The Minister of State for defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has directed Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after those calling for military takeover and truncation of democracy in Nigeria and bring them to justice.
Matawalle described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness and warned them to desist from their inglorious activities or face consequences, saying “the government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.”
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In a statement issued by the director of information in the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogunike, the call for violent change of government by the military was absurd, preposterous, and naive, as “the Military has come to reality with a democratic Government in Nigeria and is focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.”
He added that there was no justification for anybody to contemplate the unconstitutional change of government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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, that 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 a good Civil-Military relationship and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as a top priority,” he said.
He stated that some mischief makers posted viral videos and incited statements in the media encouraging the military to truncate the constitution, adding that the military will never do that because they have been aligned with democratic culture, which makes coups unfashionable.
The minister said, “Those calling for coups 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.
“The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of destabilization, as Nigeria has a democratic government in place, democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the dividends of democracy are being delivered,” he said.
The minister continued, “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.
“The Ministry of Defence is warning all the propagators calling for the 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 the DIA to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.”.
He urged Nigerians to come together to support and keep faith in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts to make Nigeria great.
The minister further reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the constitution and uphold democracy.