Katsina funds misappropriation saga: Masari plays into opposition trap

The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari made a decision recently to discontinue the seven-year-long trial of former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema over the sum of N11 billion he allegedly misappropriated while in office.Information Guide Nigeria

As reported by the SUN, this may have unwittingly played him into the hands of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Ministry of Justice, Abdulrahman Umar briefed reporters on the development.

Umar revealed that the Attorney General of Katsina State exercised his power under section 211 of the 1999 Constitution to discontinue Shema’s prolonged trial along with two other co-accused persons.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had taken Shema to court at the instance of the Katsina State government based on a petition.NYSC portal

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According to Shema at the time, “any right-thinking person will know that there is predetermined agenda by Governor Masari and his commission to witch-hunt, malign, denigrate and tarnish my image. The sitting and the report constitute a charade, we reject totally the outcome and we urge all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard these antics.”

Whatever the motive might have been, with the acquittal, the matter has become history but a cross-section of politicians in the state hint at a certain colleration between the latest development and the forthcoming general elections beginning with the presidential polls on February 25, 2023.JAMB Result

However, a PDP chieftain said, “Governor Masari couldn’t have taken the decision to forgive Shema just like that. Governors receive all manner of secret reports, so, one cannot rule out the possibility that Masari must have received a report that the general elections will certainly sweep away the APC and restore the PDP to power.”