Defence Minister Matawalle threatens Nigerians against criticising Tinubu over economic hardship, says there will be consequences

 

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said making ‘unwarranted’ and ‘unguarded statements’ against President BolaTinubu’s government over insecurity and rising food prices will have consequences.

Mr Matawalle, in a statement by the ministry of defence spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, on Friday, “cautioned Nigerians against using inflammatory comments against the government.“

He said, “Unguarded utterances coming from some sections of the populace are incisive and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation.” 

Mr Matawalle said Mr Tinubu “is trying his best in tackling the economic challenges being experienced by Nigerians. The President and his team are tirelessly working to alleviate the burdens on the Nigerian populace, advising the agents of disunity to refrain from further unwarranted utterances, as such will have consequences.” 

Mr Matawalle’s warning came on the heels of anger over economic hardship and rising food prices. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s inflation rate increased to 29.90 per cent in January 2024 from 28.92 per cent recorded in December 2023.

Last week, in Niger, Kano, Osun states, protested against the high cost of food, while the Nigerian Labour Congress declared a two-day nationwide protest over the issue.  

Amid the development, Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde “KWAM1” and a Nollywood actor, Olaiya Igwe, who campaigned for Mr Tinubu, have raised the alarm over the increasing prices of commodities in the country.

Also, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-led Northern Traditional Council warned that rising poverty, hunger and insecurity in the country would force people to revolt against President Bola Tinubu’s government soon.

In his response, Mr Tinubu directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to release about 42,000 metric tonnes of grain, including maize, millet and garri across the country.

On Thursday, Mr Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, State Security Service and the Nigeria Police to go after food hoarders. 

 The International Monetary Fund in a summary of its assessment of the Nigerian economy lauded Mr Tinubu’s release of “cereals from the grain reserve, provided subsidised fertiliser to farmers,” amongst others as measures “to ease the impact of rapidly rising inflation on living conditions.”