Aminu Bello Masari: Harsh words and reactions

In a time many Nigerians are lamenting the poor state of the nation, the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, has ridiculed the voice of the masses. While speaking in an interview with Television Continental on Sunday, April 18 which was monitored by Sahara Reporters, Masari stated that the president has not failed his people. In his words;

“I don’t think Buhari has failed us, I think he has tolerated us. We once had a civilian president who couldn’t take the rubbish that Buhari is taking from some people. The rating of the President has not changed. Anybody saying that the rating of the Buhari administration has gone down should wait till when we would have an election.’’

This statement from the former Speaker of the House of Assembly did not go down well with some people. Consequently, they responded harshly. It is pertinent to note that there were comments from some people who supported the words of the Masari.

Responses to Masari’s ‘’rubbish’’ comment

Masari used the word ‘’rubbish’’ to describe the actions of many Nigerians who questioned the leadership style of Buhari. In turn, people stated areas they feel the government has not lived up to expectations.

Buhari's administration is poor compared to obj,yaradua and jona….I voted for him but am really unhappy with this administration….I think another political party should run Nigeria maybe we will be fine a lil….buhari failed us so so so much…

— Mc Psalm (@psalm_mc) April 20, 2021

The despotic manner at which the government treats people who ask for their fundamental human right was first outlined. A commenter said, ‘’we are not asking for the government to feed us daily. All we ask for are good roads, stable power supply, working health care system, and affordable education for all.’’

Meanwhile, Inuwa Bappariya @bappariya, a twitter user, responded saying, ‘’The truth is that @MBuhari is the best performing President since the inception of democracy in Nigeria. His agricultural development policy, social investment programs, infrastructural development and effort to take security challenges are the best.’’

The bitter truth is that @MBuhari is the best performing President since from the inception of democracy in Nigeria. His agricultural development policy, social investment programs, infrastructural development and effort to takle security chalenges are the best.

— Inuwa Bappariya (@bappariya) April 19, 2021

On the other hand, some reactions were narrowed down to the EndSARS protest which came to an end after peaceful protesters were shot at the Lekki Toll gate on October 20, 2020.

‘’A government that does not permit peaceful protests will breed leaders who have no regard for citizens. The actions of the people cannot be rubbish. The people have a right to protest if they are not comfortable with the government’s decision,’’ another commenter said.

His stand on protests and other issues

Furthermore, Masari stated that he is not against protests since we are in a democracy. He also described the All Progressives Congress as the strongest, most reliable, and dependable party in Nigeria today. Likewise, he gave reasons the bandits have been unable to hold a dialogue with the government.

“Protests are necessary in a democracy. Even in the best democracy in the world, people protest. The fact that we have democracy does not mean that people should not complain or protest. I started the idea of dialogue with bandits way back in 2016 in collaboration with the heads of security agencies and we visited areas where the bandits were in charge.

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“Some of them laid down their arms but the agitation continues and it escalated last year with the kidnap of the Kankara boys. The previous dialogue failed because the bandits are not under an organized leadership or umbrella. They are in various groups and categories.”

The need for careful speeches

Leadership cannot be possible without followers to direct. Nigerians have demanded for their rights in the past. Besides,they adhere to the rules of the government even when they feel it has failed in its countless promises.

Nigerians are killed on daily basis, our economy crumbled, food inflation, joblessness, insecurity in every state etc. and Masari believed Nigerians should not even complain. Masari called it "rubbish".

— Iyke (@IykeNnebe) April 19, 2021

The people have not given up yet. From mere words of complaints, the people have taken some actions. They have protested against bad governance and demanded justice for every ill treatment against them as citizens.

These actions are not ‘’rubbish’’. They are normal in a democracy. Therefore, leaders should be careful with the words they use to describe the lawful actions of citizens who desire a better nation for themselves and others in general. It will not only portray respect for the rights of the citizens; it will give them a sense of belonging.