Defence Minister, Matawalle Orders DIA To Apprehend Those Calling For Coup Against Tinubu

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to pursue individuals advocating for the disruption of the constitutional government in the country.

In a statement by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press and Information, Ministry of Defence, titled, “Democracy is Working in Nigeria, Warns those Calling for Truncation of Constitutional Government”, he described them as criminals and enemies of democracy who should be brought to justice.

The minister said some mischiefmakers posted viral videos and inciting statements on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the military to truncate the constitution.

He said the military would never heed the call because they have been aligned with democratic culture, which makes coups no more fashionable.

“Just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to calling for military intervention, which has no place in modern realities,” he said.

He described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as “agents of darkness.”

The statement read in part, “The Minister warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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 is focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.

“The Minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups, stating, ‘Those calling for coups do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power.”

Matawalle stressed the need for elected leaders to lead while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution.