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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday, criticised the handling of the economy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that things are not being done correctly. ...Tap To Read The Full Story Here | ..Tap To Read The Full Story Here...
He also posited that the government lacked persons of pedigree to articulate its policies for Nigerians to understand.
Sanusi, however, said unlike in the past when he offered economic advice to the Federal Government, he would not do the same for the Tinubu’s administration because the government had not acted like a friend to him.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria spoke in Lagos at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch.
He chaired the lecture with the theme “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”
The Tinubu-led Federal Government has faced intensed criticisms over its decision to remove fuel subsidy and float the naira, leading to mounting inflation and widespread economic hardship in the country.Pr0ceed W!th Y0ur Reading, F0r Better V!ew
Positing that the Federal Government had not handled the economy well, Sanusi remarked, “Is everything being done correctly? No. When I’m ready to discuss the economy, I will.”
Elaborating on his decision on his position not to offer economic advice to the government, Sanusi said, “I can provide insights into the challenges we face, how they were predictable, and even avoidable. But I won’t. I’ve chosen not to comment on the economy, reforms, or anything that could benefit this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t act like one either.”
Sanusi was in 2020 deposed as the Emir of Kano by ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who is now the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Ganduje banished Sanusi and replaced him with Aminu Ado Bayero.
However, the incumbent Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf, sacked Bayero last year and reinstated Sanusi.
The development sparked a crisis in the ancient city, snowballing in court cases as Bayero refused to step down. He moved to a smaller palace where he enjoyed security protection, indicating he had federal support.
On Wednesday, Sanusi critised the government’s image makers, saying they lacked pedigree.
“They don’t even have people with the pedigree to articulate their policies to the public. Let them explain to Nigerians why they are implementing these measures. I started out helping, but I’ve stopped,” he said.Pr0ceed W!th Y0ur Reading, F0r Better V!ew
He attributed the current economic struggles partly to years of poor governance. “What we’re experiencing today is, at least in part, the result of decades of irresponsible management. People warned about the consequences of our actions, but those in power ignored them,” he noted.
Sanusi hinted that he might address the economy in the future but emphasised that now was not the time.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Presidency were unsuccessful as the presidential spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala, could not be reached. Calls placed to their mobile lines were not picked up and they had yet to respond to text messages as of the time of filing this report.
In addition to his comments on governance, Sanusi urged Nigerian lawyers to emulate the integrity and virtues of the late Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights activist and legal icon.
He lamented the decline of ethical standards in the legal profession, describing Fawehinmi as a symbol of good character and moral excellence.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, (SAN), lauded the enduring legacy of the late Fawehinmi, describing him as a symbol of courage and justice.
Keyamo, who was represented by a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Henry Agbebire, in his goodwill message, praised the organisers for ensuring Fawehinmi’s ideals remain a cornerstone of national discourse.
“The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi left an indelible mark on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession. His legacy inspires us all with its courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man,” he said.
Reflecting on his own legal journey, Keyamo acknowledged Fawehinmi’s mentorship as pivotal in shaping his activism and career.Pr0ceed W!th Y0ur Reading, F0r Better V!ew
“As someone whose human rights activism began under the mentorship of Gani Fawehinmi, I take pride in the continued relevance of issues he championed, including citizens’ rights, accountable governance, and equitable public policy. These principles guide my work today,” he remarked.
Keyamo also commended the lecture’s focus on Nigeria’s economic challenges, expressing confidence that the discussions would generate ideas to promote sustainable development and social justice.
“I trust the deliberations will offer solutions that can guide our nation towards economic progress and fairness,” he added.
While expressing regret for his absence, the minister assured attendees of his commitment to initiatives that uphold the values of justice, human rights, and socio-economic advancement.
Other prominent guests at the event were the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN); Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), and human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), amongst others.Pr0ceed W!th Y0ur Reading, F0r Better V!ew
