Katsina State governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said that despite the economic, social and political morass the country had been enmeshed in under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, the partys chances are still bright.
The governor, who is serving his second and final term in office, stated this in a published interview at the weekend, while baring his mind on issues of governance in the State, insecurity, the prospects of APC in the 2023 elections, amongst others.
According to the governor, “I think this government, the APC government, should be celebrated because we inherit the problem that we did not create, and we confronted them with whatever arsenal at our disposal, and we are still able to keep the country together.
While assuaging the fears being expressed in some quarters whether the current challenges bedevilling the nation may affect the prospects of the APC in the 2023 elections, the governor said, “It will not; In fact, it will reinforce the party, because there are many Nigerians who understand that nobody could have done better than us in the APC, given the resources available; given the international dynamics of the economy; given the fact that some of the issues we are dealing with were not a creation of Nigeria, not even Africa, but international in nature.
Speaking on the lingering ASUU strike, the governor said the Federal Government is not relaxing. “Industrial action is part of the freedom of association that Nigerians are enjoying. Nigerians are enjoying this freedom to strike; but in other countries, they dare not”.
On his repeated calls on self-defence by the citizens of the State, Masari insisted that the Government is not abdicating its own responsibility, saying: “By making that call, the government is providing leadership.
Regarding the sort of Katsina he wants to live for his successor, Masari declared: “Well, a very peaceful one; In fact, a Katsina State that the people will see themselves as belonging to the state irrespective of the political zone they come from and leadership will be identified by the quality of the person, not where he comes from.
