The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Wednesday, sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its handling of the Nigerian economy, asserting that things were not being managed properly.
He further suggested that the government lacked capable individuals to clearly communicate its policies to the public.
Speaking at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch in Lagos, Sanusi stated that while he had previously offered economic advice to the Federal Government, he would no longer do so under Tinubu’s leadership.
According to him, the current government had not acted as a friend to him, and as a result, he would refrain from providing counsel.
Sanusi, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, chaired the lecture with the theme “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”
The Tinubu administration has faced intense criticism for removing fuel subsidies and floating the naira, which have contributed to rising inflation and widespread economic hardship.
Regarding the country’s economic situation, Sanusi commented, “Is everything being done correctly? No. When I’m ready to discuss the economy, I will.”
He also explained his decision not to offer advice to the government, saying, “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 deposed as Emir of Kano in 2020 by former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, now National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress. Ganduje replaced him with Aminu Ado Bayero, but Governor Abba Yusuf reinstated Sanusi in 2024, leading to a prolonged dispute and court cases as Bayero refused to step down.
The Emir also criticized the government’s communication team, claiming they lacked the necessary pedigree to effectively present their policies to Nigerians.
“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.
Sanusi attributed the current economic struggles partly to decades of mismanagement, noting, “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.”
While Sanusi hinted at addressing the economy in the future, he emphasized that now was not the time.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as spokespeople Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare, and Daniel Bwala did not respond to calls or text messages.
In addition to his comments on governance, Sanusi urged Nigerian lawyers to embody the integrity and values of the late Gani Fawehinmi, a prominent human rights activist and legal icon. He lamented the decline of ethical standards within the legal profession, describing Fawehinmi as a symbol of moral excellence.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who was represented by Mr. Henry Agbebire, a Director at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, also praised Fawehinmi’s enduring legacy.
Keyamo, a former mentee of Fawehinmi, highlighted the late activist’s influence on his career, particularly in advocating for human rights, accountable governance, and equitable policies.
Other notable attendees at the event included NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice Lawal Pedro (SAN), and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).
