Presidential aide highlights security concerns, infrastructure projects, and deep political connections as driving factors
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar, Taibat Ummi Yakubu | Katsina Times
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Malam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent visit to Katsina State was driven by three significant reasons: security, development projects, and political ties.
Speaking in an exclusive interview during his courtesy visit to the Katsina Times office on Sunday, Abdulaziz shed light on the deep-rooted relationship between the president and the people of Katsina, describing the visit as both symbolic and strategic.
“The foremost reason for the visit is security. Katsina is one of the states severely affected by the menace of armed banditry, and the government is making serious efforts to tackle the issue. The President’s decision to immediately engage with security operatives upon arrival in Katsina underscores his commitment to ending insecurity in the North,” he explained.
Abdulaziz said the second reason was to inspect and reinforce the administration’s ongoing development efforts in the state.
“There are three major road projects currently being executed that directly affect Katsina and link it to other states. This visit highlights the administration’s attention to infrastructure and regional integration.”
The third reason, he noted, relates to longstanding political connections.
“Politically, Katsina is like a second home to President Tinubu. He enjoys strong relationships with key political figures from the state, including those considered his close allies, such as the current governor. This bond was further demonstrated when the President honoured the governor’s invitation to attend his daughter’s wedding and gave his blessings as a father figure.”
Abdulaziz also recalled that Katsina played a key role in President Tinubu’s political upbringing.
“Although he hails from Lagos, President Tinubu learned the ropes of politics from prominent Katsina figures like the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua. They worked together during the era of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where Tinubu contested and won a senatorial seat in Lagos, while Shehu Musa aspired to run for president under the same platform.”
He added that in recognition of this mentorship and bond, President Tinubu has continued to show appreciation to Katsina by appointing many of its indigenes into top positions in his administration.
“Katsina ranks high among states with several federal appointments. Notably, the Minister of Housing and urban development, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. The state also boasts of high-ranking officials, including the Executive Chairman of the NCC and heads of other key agencies.”
In conclusion, Abdulaziz extended gratitude to the people of Katsina for their warm reception of the President and his entourage.
“We are deeply grateful for the hospitality and respect shown to the President. Katsina truly lived up to its reputation as the ‘House of Hospitality.’ The turnout was overwhelming, with people lining the streets to welcome him warmly.”
“We seek continued support and pray that the bond of unity and mutual respect between the President and the people of Katsina continues to grow stronger,” he said.
