Northern Elders Endorsed Tinubu Based on Expectations, Not Principles — Ex-Gov Masari

Summary: Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari criticized the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for expressing regret over supporting President Bola Tinubu, attributing their change of heart to unmet expectations rather than principles.

Details:

• Interview with Daily Trust: Masari explained that the Northern elders’ regret in supporting Tinubu signifies that their support was based on expectations rather than solid principles.
• Timing of Criticism: Masari argued it is premature to judge Tinubu’s administration, which has only been in office for less than a year.
• Fuel Subsidy Removal: He noted that other leading presidential candidates also promised to remove the fuel subsidy during their campaigns, which has been a significant factor in the current economic hardship.

Masari’s Views:

• Support on Principles: Masari highlighted that his support for Tinubu was based on principles, suggesting that those who regret their support did so because their expectations were not immediately met.
• Economic Challenges: He pointed out that Nigeria’s economic difficulties are not unique and are part of a broader global issue.
• Opposition Criticism: Masari responded to criticism from opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP), stating that they too had promised similar economic reforms, such as subsidy removal, and would likely face similar challenges if in power.

Call for Patience:

• Trust the Process: Masari urged Nigerians to trust the process, reminding them that the president has acknowledged the current hardships and is committed to addressing them.

Background Context:

• NEF’s Regret: The NEF previously stated that voting for Tinubu was a mistake, with spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman asserting that the North would not make the same error in the future.
• Government Reactions: The statement from NEF has elicited various reactions, including criticism from Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Conclusion: Masari’s defense of Tinubu underscores a belief in the administration’s long-term goals and criticizes those who quickly express regret due to unmet short-term expectations. He emphasizes that effective governance and economic reforms require time and patience.