Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has criticised opposition politicians over efforts to involve foreign interests in Nigeria's political affairs, saying such actions could damage the country's image and weaken its democratic system.
He urged political leaders to put Nigeria's interests above party politics and avoid activities that could create division or turn citizens against the constitutionally elected government of President Bola Tinubu.
The minister's reaction came on Friday following reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had hired a foreign lobbying firm in the United States to circulate old documents relating to President Tinubu.
Matawalle described the move as harmful to Nigeria's reputation and said it offered no solution to the country's economic, security and social challenges.
In a statement released by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, Matawalle said opposition figures should focus on supporting government efforts to improve security, promote unity and improve the lives of Nigerians instead of pursuing campaigns that could portray the country negatively before the international community.
He said the office of the President represents the nation's sovereignty and should be treated with respect regardless of political differences or election outcomes.
He maintained that Nigeria's democratic decisions are made by its people through elections and cannot be changed by foreign governments or lobbying groups.
Matawalle also said political disagreements should not be allowed to damage Nigeria's standing among other nations.
According to him, responsible political leaders should always work to protect the country's image and present it positively on the global stage.
The minister referred to recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who commended President Tinubu's leadership, especially in the areas of security cooperation and efforts to tackle terrorism.
Matawalle said the recognition reflected growing international confidence in Nigeria and should encourage unity instead of campaigns aimed at discrediting the government abroad.
He added that repeated political attacks, false information and propaganda directed at a government elected through constitutional means would not stop its programmes or prevent it from carrying out its plans for national development.
Matawalle further stated that those spreading misleading information against the Tinubu administration would eventually face political and moral consequences, while Nigerians remained committed to protecting the mandate given through the ballot.
He expressed confidence that foreign lobbying or political campaigns outside the country would not reduce public trust in the current administration. He insisted that only Nigerian voters have the constitutional right to choose their leaders through elections.
The minister ended by calling on opposition parties to contribute through constructive criticism and practical policy ideas.
He urged them to support efforts aimed at improving security, promoting peaceful coexistence and driving national development as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!