Picture Of Masari’s Negotiations With Bandits Goes Viral, Sparks Outrage

By Uche Mbah

Governor Aminu Masari, governor of Katsina state’s picture with bandits wielding AK 47 has gone viral, with Nigerian’s reeling in outrage that an internationally acclaimed terrorist group is given red carpet treatment in the full glare of the camera.

Masari had Thursday engaged the bandits at Katsina government house to beg them to stop killing Nigerians-a trend that many Northern governors are adopting which critics regard as worrisome.

The Eight frontline local councils have been under attack by bandits, who kidnap, kill and maim at will. The governor invited them to stop killing his people.

Besides the bandits, the head of security agencies and the deputy governor, Manir Yakubu, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman, District Heads, Secretary to the State Government Mustapha Inuwa, and representatives of Miyetti Allah and Fulani Herdsmen were also invited.

But the picture of the governor and the herdsmen has gone viral. Nigerians were outraged that Nigeria has degenerated to a country where terrorists are begged and arm-less people branded terrorists and charged with treason.

One Sadique Umar wrote: “Shame of a nation! This House has Fallen. A terrorist being flanked by the symbols of civilian and military authority. The message here is that there is prestige in being a criminal. You start a business you get harassed and intimidated. You became a terrorist and you get an honorary visit from the State Chief Executive! What a country!”

S amson Tannon Tongman wrote: ‘While southerners are condemning IPOB, northern political leaders are holding bilateral meetings with northern terrorists groups.’