The Coalition of Northern Groups, Katsina State chapter on Friday lampooned Governor Aminu Masari on his call on residents in the state to take up arms in self-defence against bandits terrorising them.

The coalition said Masari’s call was an admission that he was not in charge of the state and had failed in his constitutional responsibility of providing security for its citizens, hence, he should resign.

The groups consequently appealed to security operatives and various vigilante groups in the state not to abandon residents, but instead put in more efforts.

The CNG said this in a statement by its Coordinator for the North-West, Mallam Jamilu Charanchi,made available to journalists in Katsina on Friday.

The statement read in part, “The Coalition of Northern Groups, Katsina State Chapter, has followed issues happening in the state very closely, particularly in the past few months when security in the state has come under serious deterioration.

“The CNG has taken particular note of the apparent frustrated directive by the state governor, Aminu Masari, in Jibia for people to arm themselves for self-protection against threats.

“As is our tradition, we have restrained from the flow of idle and unproductive engagements which trailed the Jibia declaration to a point when it became obvious that the state government has exhausted all options by admitting to the loss of the necessary courage and political will for dealing with the security challenges in the state and further dampening public confidence.

“As patriotic, decent and responsible citizens, we have studied the statement carefully and observed deliberate accuracies as well as inaccuracies borne out of it. We have invariably concluded that the patriotic statement merely succeeded in exposing the weakness and inability of the government in discharging their primary responsibility of protecting lives and properties of its people.

“CNG observes that this government has invariably failed in the discharge of its most fundamental responsibility, which is the protection of life and property. Looked at from whatever prism, the administration is certainly inept at combating the threat posed by audacious crimes of banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Has insecurity in Nigeria become endemic?
“Virtually the entire state is gradually turning into a house of horror with continuation of killings in Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa, Safana, Kankara, Sabuwa, Faskari and Dandume among others.”

The coalition added that Masari’s self-defence call was an admission that his government was not in control of the state and was incapable of protecting citizens.

“The audacity with which bands of criminals ride freely to terrorize, massacre, loot and displace Katsina communities without any counter response from government troops, call to question the willingness, readiness, sincerity and capacity to curb the drift towards anarchy in these affected parts.

“We salute the courage of His Excellency, Governor Masari for telling his people the reality on the ground and he will forever be remembered for it.

“Any administration that failed in discharging its primary responsibility what is best for the head of the administration is to resign honourably.”

Punch