Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called on the Defence Intelligence Agency to apprehend those calling for truncation of the constitutional government in the country.
Matwalle made this call 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 this calling for coup as criminals and enemies of democracy who should be brought to justice.
The minister explained that 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 disclosed that 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 ‘gents of darkness’.
The statement read, “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.