The Federal Government Has Stated That It Does Not Require The Approval Of The Emir Of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, To Implement Its Policies.
This Comes After The Emir, Speaking At The 21st Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture In Lagos, Declined To Advise President Bola Tinubu’s Administration On Tackling The Country’s Economic Challenges. He Noted That While He Could Provide Insights, He Had Chosen Not To, Citing The Government’s Treatment Of Him. Sanusi Criticized The Lack Of Competent Communicators In The Administration And Attributed The Current Economic Difficulties To Decades Of Poor Management. However, He Acknowledged That Not All Current Policies Are Being Implemented Correctly, Reserving Further Comments For A Later Time.
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 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.”
