Gov.Masari Will Not Resign Says Arewa Network of Social Reformers

By: Mayen Etim

KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria - 

The Arewa Network of Social Reformers, (ANSR), has kicked against the call by the Katsina State chapter of the coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG), for the resignation of Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, over his comments on self defense, describing it as uninformed.

The President of ANSR, Engr. Musa Idris, stated this at a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.

Engr. Idris who was flagged by other members of the Executive Committee of ANSR, said they join other well meaning patriots and citizens of Katsina state to salute the courage and boldness of the Governor, saying, "it is indeed morally wrong for people to submit to bandits without any form of attempt to defend themselves.

"The ANSR took exception to the called by the CNG. We feel it is preposterous to ask a constitutionally elected Governor to resign. We are not holding brief for Katsina State Government nor are we the mouth piece of Governor Aminu Bello Masari, but we need to put some matters right," ANSR stated.

The group added that, "The indiscriminate killings, kidnappings and attacks orchested by bandits on innocent citizens in Katsina State, should be the concern of all and sundry in the State.

"The job of securing the lives and property of the citizens cannot be left to the government or security agencies alone.

"The job requires the citizens to support security agencies, through intelligence gathering, including traditional, religious and political leaders, who must engage more with people to restore normalcy in the beleaguered state, because the bandits stay amongst us, the criminals live with us.

"Without adequate security, there cannot be any meaningful development and economy of the State. The pressure should be directed to appropriate authorities to see to the end of the security challenges.

"The efforts by the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, in curbing banditry and kidnappings in Katsina State cannot be overemphasized. It is with this determination that persuaded the Governors of the Northwest to make him the Chairman of their security committee.

"We therefore appeal to the Federal Government to increase the security presence as well as give the security agencies necessary logistics support towards addressing the security challenges facing Katsina State," the group added.