The exclusion of the immediate past Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari in the new cabinet has been described as shocking.
According to the 4th Tribe Global Movement, South-West based political group, Masari did a lot to merit inclusion in the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
Masari, the group said showed unflinching loyalty, investment and contribution to the emergence of the administration in the last elections.
In a press statement made available to journalists on Tuesday and signed by Mr Abayomi Mighty, the Convener and leader of the group, he contended that Masari was one of the Northern governors who spearheaded rotational presidency, power shift to the South and the choice of Tinubu as presidential candidate.
‘It is on record that Masari was one of the few governors in the North who initiated and supported the rotation of the presidency to the South and the emergence of Tinubu in particular.
“He also led the way by talking to his northern colleagues to support Asiwaju’s candidacy. He effectively weakened the opposition in Katsina state by his good governance,” he said.
Mighty described Masari as an “unrepentant supporter of Tinubu” who used his political acumen and influence in turning Katsina into stronghold for the All Progressive Congress (APC)
He noted that Katsina state’s contribution to the Tinubu presidency cannot be overemphasised.
According to him, despite the security challenges and the naira scarcity that created apathy during the voting exercise, the APC in Katsina State, came out for the 2023 elections with an impressive performance with only a marginal loss.
“In the presidential results, data made available by INEC showed that the APC scored 482,283 votes as against the Peoples Democratic Party with 489,045 votes.
“APC lost Katsina state in the presidential race due to anti-party activities, but Masari was not deterred as he led the party to an impressive victory in the National Assembly elections winning three senatorial seats and nine out of 15 House of Representatives seats for APC.
“As a grassroots politician, he used his influence and relevance to mobilise massive support to win the gubernatorial election for the current sitting governor of Katsina state,” he said.
Mighty stressed that with Masari’s contributions to the victory of Tinubu in the elections, he deserved the offer of first refusal in the ongoing horse-trading for political appointments.
Mighty who described Tinubu as “a successful democrat, who truly rewards loyalty and recognises capacity”, alleged that some of the decisions made so far, were by the cabals without the. President’s final approval.
“He added, “The Tinubu administration should be meticulous in identifying and rewarding stakeholders from Katsina state and other parts of the North-West states on the basis of contributions and political values.
“If by any reason, Masari is completely left out, then a lot of compatriots and party faithfuls that are already surprised at the way he’s being treated will see this as a betrayal which President Tinubu is not known for.
“Every variable should be put on the table to share rewards based on deliverables,” he said.
Mighty, on behalf of the group called on President Tinubu to tread the path of meritocracy, equity and fairness on matters concerning the North and Katsina state, in particular .
