The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has issued a stern warning to individuals advocating for a coup in Nigeria, labelling them as “criminals and enemies of democracy.” In a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle emphasized that the government would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the democratic system.
Matawalle condemned the idea of a forceful change of government and affirmed the military’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting democratic principles. He reassured that under the present administration, there would be no military takeover of power, emphasizing the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfils its duty of defending the Constitution.
The Minister denounced viral videos and inciting statements encouraging the military to intervene, labelling such actions as attempts to destabilize the country. He directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to apprehend anyone involved in advocating for a coup and bring them to justice.