THE Federal Government has today responded the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, asserting that the esteemed monarch’s assistance is not needed for validating President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris expressed disappointment that Sanusi, who previously lauded the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, is now subtly criticizing these policies due to a perceived shift in loyalty.
During a Memorial Lecture for Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos yesterday, Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated that he would not support the Tinubu administration in addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
Sanusi returned as Emir of Kano last year, four years after being ousted by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration.
His reinstatement under the new Kano Governor Abba Yusuf is currently being contested in court by the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero. There have been allegations that the Federal Government supports Bayero, which the government has denied.
In his response to Sanusi, the information minister found it amusing that a traditional leader of Sanusi’s caliber “would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism”.
Mohammed stated, “Given His Highness’s background in economics, he has a unique responsibility to contribute positively rather than undermine reforms intended for collective progress simply because he feels distanced from his ‘friends’ in government.
“The temporary hardships we currently face, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a ‘necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management’ rather than anything else.
“We encourage the Emir to prioritize the greater good of Nigerians over personal interests and political biases.
“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. We urge esteemed leaders to avoid rhetoric that erodes public trust and instead commit to the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical moment for our country; collaboration is essential, not unnecessary distractions.”