The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, said those of them, respected economic experts, had what it takes to help President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but for him, the incumbent government is not acting like his friend.
Sanusi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor pronouced this on Wednesday in Lagos while speaking at the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025).
Talking against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship imposed by the government’s reforms, the reverred monarch said he is in position to make the general public see reason with the government but alleged unfriendly attitude towards him by the latter would not warrant it.
“I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that.
“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government,” the emir said.
He added: “You know they’re my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So I watch them being stooges. And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started out helping, but I am not going to help. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued.
“Meanwhile, I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. But I will say one thing: What we are going through today is, at least in part, not totally, but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.
“People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes. Now, is everything being done today correct? No.”
Recall that the federal government is on the side of deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who is rivalling Sanusi for the Kano exalted throne.
