Thursday, January 16, 2025 - The Federal Government says it does not need the Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II's stamp of approval, to carry out all of its ‘’laudable policies''.
The Emir was at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehimi in
Lagos where he said he would not offer any advice to President Bola Tinubu’s
led federal government on how to tackle the economic challenges facing the
country.
‘’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.”
Reacting to his comments, the Minister of Information and National
Orientation, in a statement titled: “We don’t need Sanusi’s stamp of approval
for our laudable policies,” expressed disappointment at the Emir’s negative
comments on the reforms of Tinubu’s administration because of his alleged
“shift in loyalty.”
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.”
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.''
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