The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has vowed that he will no longer advise President Bola Tinubu’s administration on how to address the country’s economic issues.
Sanusi made the statement on Wednesday while speaking as chairman at Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s 21st Memorial Lecture in Lagos.
The former Central Bank Governor stated that he first provided help to the government but has decided to withdraw it, citing concerns about the government’s approach to economic reforms.
“I’ve chosen not to speak about the economy and the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government,” Sanusi said.
He added, “They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed. 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 mentioned that the government should take responsibility for explaining its policies to Nigerians, saying, “Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that have been pursued have been pursued.”
The former emir blamed the current economic difficulties on decades of poor management, describing it as a “necessary consequence” of reckless governance over time.
“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,” he said.
Furthermore, Sanusi noted that he is now a passive observer of the situation, likening his stance to watching a movie.
“I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. I’m watching them stew,” he remarked.
The lecture was held in honour of late human rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi.
