TheCable

Bello Masari, governor of Katsina state, says northern Nigeria is not poor and should not be afraid of restructuring.

Masari, who addressed the retreat of northern senators forum in Katsina on Tuesday, advised the north not to be afraid of restructuring.

He advised the senators from the region against opposing restructuring.

“We have resources. We are not poor,” he said.

“We should not be afraid of restructuring.’’

He identified quality leadership as the only problem facing the north.

Senate President Bukola Saraki who led the delegation of northern senators said the discussion on restructuring is “a bit fanciful”.

“It is perhaps understandable if some in this gathering find the clamourous debate about restructuring a little irksome,” Saraki said.

“We are, after all, meeting in a region that is, for want of a better word, beleaguered. In this region of ours – hurt and wounded by the cataclysm of insurgency and other problems – talk of restructuring can seem a bit fanciful.

“Nonetheless, we must face all issues with open minds, giving each the attention it deserves. I am confident that the Northern Senators Forum is up to the task.”