The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has warned opposition politicians against actions and utterances capable of inciting Nigerians against the constitutionally elected administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a report by Vaguard, Matawalle urged opposition leaders to place national interest above partisan politics and avoid activities capable of damaging Nigeria’s image internationally.
The minister particularly condemned the reported decision by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to engage a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades old documents relating to President Tinubu in the United States.
He described the alleged move as regrettable, unpatriotic and detrimental to Nigeria’s international reputation, arguing that such actions neither strengthen democratic institutions nor provide solutions to the country’s socio economic and security challenges.
Matawalle urged opposition leaders to redirect their energies towards supporting efforts to tackle insecurity, promote national unity and improve the welfare of Nigerians, rather than sponsoring campaigns aimed at discrediting the country abroad.
He stressed that the Presidency remained a sacred national institution and a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that deserved respect regardless of political affiliations or electoral differences.
“No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or overturn the mandate freely bestowed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Nigerian electorate,” the minister said.
The minister further warned that political disagreements must not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s global reputation, insisting that patriotic leaders should project the country’s interests positively before the international community.
He called on opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by presenting credible policy alternatives, supporting efforts to combat insecurity, promoting peaceful coexistence and accelerating national development.
Leave a comment