The Federal Government has responded sharply to remarks made by Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the administration’s economic reforms.
Speaking through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government emphasized that it does not require the monarch’s endorsement for policies it described as “laudable.”
This response follows the Emir’s comments at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos. During the event, Sanusi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, stated that he would withhold advice on the economic challenges confronting the nation.
He was quoted to have said: “I can give a few points here about what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable. But I am not going to do that. I have chosen not to speak on the economy, or reforms or to explain anything because if I explain it, it will help this government. But I don’t want to help this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like a friend.
“They don’t even have people with pedigree that can come and explain to the people what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started by helping, but I am not going to help. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why they are pursuing the policies that they are pursuing.
“But I will say this one thing though. What we are going through today is at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible management. People were warning that if we continued the way that we were going, this is how we will end up but they refused to listen.
“Now, is everything being done correctly? No. When I am ready to talk about the economy, I will.”
The Federal Government’s statement, titled “We Don’t Need Sanusi’s Stamp of Approval for Our Laudable Policies,” expressed disappointment at what it called the Emir’s “shift in loyalty.”
Idris pointed out that Sanusi had previously supported reforms similar to those being implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, even describing them as necessary to correct decades of economic mismanagement.
The statement read: “The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, at a public event in Lagos. We note the emir’s acknowledgement of the noble initiatives which, he said; he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government.”
“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran. However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.
“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges. This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.
“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.
“These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signalling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery.
“Additionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.”
Continuing, the statement said: “It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of shift in loyalty. His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feel estranged from his “friends” in government.
