He described those calling for a coup as “criminals and enemies of democracy” and “agents of darkness.”
The allegations of coup against the military have been rife in the last few months, with the Armed Forces vehemently denying the claims.
The latest to refute the allegation is the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja who, on March 5, said the military has accepted the democratic system of government in place in the country.
However, in a statement on Thursday by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Henshaw Ogubike, the minister warned the purveyors of a coup in the country to desist from the act or otherwise be dealt with.
The statement read, “The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, 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 GCFR to desist from their inglorious calling, warning that the government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.
“The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with a democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.”
The Minister vowed that there would be no forceful takeover of power in the country.
He said, “Those calling for a coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power. There is a need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the Constitution.
“The harbingers of this evil thought are agents of destabilisation as Nigeria has a democratic government in place. Democracy is in action under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the dividends of democracy are being delivered.
“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has provided a level playing ground for people to express themselves which is one of the pillars of democracy and fundamental human rights are being respected.”
He also condemned those behind a viral video encouraging the military to take over.
The minister said, “In addition, some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statements on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the Military to truncate the constitution which they will never do because they have been aligned with the democratic culture which makes coup no longer fashionable.”
Matawelle said as a result of this, and other factors, he has directed the DIA to apprehend anyone calling for a coup.
He said, “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 the ground as the Minister of State for Defence has directed DIA to go after the criminals and enemies of democracy and bring them to justice.”
