Sanusi’s assistance not required to verify Tinubu’s reforms.—FG
The Federal Government retaliated against Kano Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II on Thursday, claiming that the revered monarch’s assistance is not required to verify President Bola Tinubu’s reform efforts.
In a statement, Information Minister Mohammed Idris expressed dismay that Sanusi, who had previously praised the withdrawal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of FX rates, “now subtly condemns” the policies “because of a shift in loyalty.”
On Wednesday, Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated at the Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture in Lagos that the Tinubu administration would not get his assistance with the country’s economic issues.
Sanusi returned to his role as Emir of Kano last year, four years after his deposition by the Abdullahi Ganduje regime. His return to power under new Kano Governor Abba Yusuf is being disputed in court by the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and there have been allegations that the federal government favours Bayero, which the FG denies.
In reaction to the emir, the information minister expressed amusement that a traditional ruler of Sanusi’s stature would publicly acknowledge to concealing the facts for personal gain based on imagined hostility.
Mohammed added: “His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his ‘friends’ in government.”
Sanusi stated that the current difficulties from these actions are a result of bad economic management over decades.We urge the emir to prioritise Nigerians’ well-being over personal interests and partisanship.All parties must work together, focus their efforts, and make sacrifices to rebuild Nigeria.
As a government, we urge our officials to avoid rhetoric that weakens public trust. Instead, they have a duty to champion the common objective of a flourishing Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country; we need teamwork rather than unneeded diversions.”