The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has announced that he will no longer offer advice to the administration of President Bola Tinubu regarding the country’s economic challenges.
Sanusi made the declaration on Wednesday while serving as the chairman at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stated that although he had previously offered guidance to the government, he has now decided to withdraw his support, criticizing its handling of economic reforms.
“I’ve chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms, or even to explain anything. If I explain, it would only help this government, and I don’t want to help them,” Sanusi said.
He added, “They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, then I won’t behave like one. I watch them flounder. They don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing, but I’m not going to help.”
Sanusi emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to explain its policies to Nigerians. “Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies they have pursued are being pursued,” he said.
The former emir attributed the country’s current economic struggles to decades of poor governance, describing the situation as a “necessary consequence” of long-term mismanagement. “What we are going through today is, at least in part—not entirely—but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” Sanusi explained.
He also likened his current position to that of a passive observer, comparing it to watching a movie. “I’m just sitting back with my popcorn in hand, watching them stew,” he remarked.
The lecture was held in honor of the late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi.
