The federal government has responded to Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, on the economic reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration.
On Wednesday, Sanusi, who was speaking at the 21st memorial lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, said he would remain an observer and not offer economic advice to the Tinubu administration because “they have not behaved like friends”.
“I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government,” Sanusi said.
“They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend.
“So, I watch them being stewed, and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help.”
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said “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 a 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 feels estranged from his ‘friends’ in government,” the statement reads.
The statement harped on the significance of the economic measures, stating that Nigeria is at a “pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges”.
“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,” Idris said.
