By Emmanuel Daudu
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has called for calm among Nigerians in light of a planned national protest scheduled for next week.
In a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, on July 26, 2024, Matawalle emphasized the government’s openness to dialogue and urged protest organizers to engage in discussions with authorities.
Matawalle expressed concerns about the anonymity of the protest organizers. “The persons behind the protest, the sponsors and their facilitators, are not known. Who is the masquerade behind the so-called protesters? We need to know. This is strange and ominous that they are unknown,” he stated.
The minister reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to resolving issues through peaceful dialogue, citing the successful resolution of the minimum wage dispute with organized labor as evidence of this commitment.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government is committed to dialogue and finding amicable solutions to the challenges we face,” Matawalle said.
He also warned of potential dangers associated with the planned protest, cautioning that it could be hijacked by individuals with malicious intentions, leading to violence and disunity. “We must be vigilant and not allow those with malicious intentions to disrupt our peace and unity,” he added.
Matawalle drew parallels with the unrest in Kenya, urging Nigerians to avoid a similar scenario. “Those moving to unleash the Kenyan episode on Nigeria should look back and examine the consequences for Kenya. That experience should have no place in Nigeria because it will set us back instead of moving forward,” he warned.
Emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Matawalle reminded citizens that violence in the guise of protest is a crime.
“Protests are constitutional rights; violence in the name of protest is a crime. There are clear provisions against crime in Nigeria as they are under international law,” he noted.
Dr. Matawalle called for a collective effort to maintain national peace and unity, urging Nigerians to reject actions that could lead to instability.
“Let us work together to build a stronger and more united Nigeria. Dialogue and peaceful engagement are the best ways to address our concerns,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to listen to and address the concerns of all Nigerians through constructive engagement and dialogue.
“The government is in place to serve and protect the interests of every Nigerian. Let us choose the path of peace and progress,” Dr. Matawalle implored.
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