Those behind call for coup agents of darkness – Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON has described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness.

He warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that government would not treat those behind it with kid glove.

A statement Thursday by Director Information, Press and Public Relations Henshaw Ogubike disclosed that the minister 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 warns against the dangerous allure of coups, stating, “Those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present Government, there will be no Military takeover of power.”

He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.

The statement read in part: “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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundermental human rights are being respected.

“In addition, some mischief makers 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.

“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.

“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. “