President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism from many Nigerians regarding the ongoing economic hardship and increasing insecurity.
Consequently, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, warned Nigerians against using inflammatory language against the government.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, on Saturday, Matawalle said, “Such comments are inciteful and destructive and can exacerbate tensions and lead to violence in our beloved nation.”
In response, the PRP, through a statement by its acting National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, on Saturday, characterised Matawalle’s statement as a violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians to voice their opinions.
The statement read in part, “As a democratic institution committed to the welfare and progress of our nation, we in the PRP find such threats not only unwarranted but also an affront to the fundamental rights of citizens to express their opinions as enshrined in the Nigerian Laws, inclusive of the Nigerian Constitution, as well as the democratic tenets to hold those in power accountable.
“As the people of Nigeria continue to grapple with the harsh realities of hunger, economic hardship, and insecurity, it is disheartening to witness those entrusted with governance attempting to stifle dissenting voices.
“The Minister’s statement not only undermines the democratic principles our nation stands for but also reveals a lack of understanding of the legitimate concerns and frustrations of the masses as well as their rights to protest which President Tinubu had for years exercised as an opposition politician.
The PRP further called on all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in their pursuit of good governance. PRP noted that Nigerians must remember that it is their “collective responsibility to demand better governance from those who lead us.”
The statement added that Nigerians should not be subjected to being silenced or intimidated.
“They are hungry as a consequence of policies which they consider wrong, and their voices echo the urgent need for reversal of such policies to bring in good governance, transparency, and effective solutions to the myriad of issues facing them.
“It is crucial for public officials to understand that their actions and decisions have consequences, and they must be prepared to face the music when they fall short of the expectations of the people they serve,” the statement added.
