Banditry: Summon courage to tell Buhari he has failed, PDP counsels Gov. Masari

*Cautions President to shape up or ship out

*Party extols Senator Makarfi at 65

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charges the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, to stop his empty lamentations over the persistent banditry in the state, but be boldly enough to tell President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) – led Federal Government that they have failed.

The PDP asserted that Governor Masari is doing a great disservice to his people, who have fallen victims to persistent banditry, owing to President Buhari’s incompetence and inability to secure the nation, by not shading his parochial politics to join other patriotic Nigerians in voicing out to President Buhari, the truth of his failures.

The party lamented that it is indeed a distressing that President Buhari’s home state, Katsina, is being taken over by bandits, “who are now overrunning local governments, killing, raping, maiming and pillaging innocent citizens, while Mr. President, who promised to lead the fight against insurgency from the fronts, continues to recede deeper into the safety and comfort of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja”.

In a statement Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said it is totally upsetting that while Mr. President is busy with his unnecessary rhetoric in Abuja, bandits, according to Governor Masari, are having a field day in persistent attacks on 10 local government areas, killing and robbing innocent citizens on daily basis.

“While it is common knowledge that President Buhari has failed and especially, in his three-pronged focus of security, economy and anti-corruption, it is however regrettable that his administration could be so aloof, cold and unperturbed as bandits ravage our citizens in most states and particularly in Mr. President’s home state. What a failure!

“President Buhari and Governor Masari must know that there is no way history will be kind to them and their party, the APC, for their incompetence, insensitivity and failure in governance, which have brought so much devastation to our dear nation”, the statement read.

The PDP for the umpteenth time called on President Buhari to “wake up to the responsibilities of his office, pick himself up and lead from the front in the fight against insurgents, in line with his campaign promise”, adding that “he should either shape up or ship out”.

The party however, urged Nigerians, especially the people of Katsina State not to resign to despondency over President Buhari’s failures, while charging the gallant troops to remain strong as concerned Nigerians work hard to rescue the nation from the misrule of the APC, which has led to the escalation of woes in the country.

In a separate statement, the PDP congratulated former governor of Kaduna State and former Chairman of PDP National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, as he marks his 65th birthday.

The party described Senator Makarfi as an outstanding nationalist, brilliant accountant, banker and academician; insightful administrator, legislator and highly dependable leader, who has continued to show uncommon commitment towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.

“Over the years, as a banker, commissioner, two term elected governor of Kaduna state, two term elected senator of the Federal Republic and later the National Chairman of our great party, the PDP, Senator Makarfi has continued to distinguish himself as a patriot, who put the interest of our nation and her people over and above every other consideration.

“His resounding legacies as the governor of Kaduna state, in critical sectors of life, have continued to stand him out as a leader, with a heart for his people.

“The PDP particularly celebrates Senator Makarfi for his administrative dexterity and skills with which he, as the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, led other patriots to salvage, rebuild and rejuvenate the PDP during its darkest hours to the joy of Nigerians across board.

“Despite his lofty attainments, Senator Makarfi has remained a humble, humane, open-minded, accessible and very devoted party leader, and has not relented in his commitment towards the unity, stability and progress of our great party, particularly at this trying time”, the statement read.