Muhammad Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has criticized the Federal Government for its response to his recent comments regarding President Bola Tinubu’s policies.
Sanusi argued that his remarks were sensationalized and distorted, reducing his broader message to just one paragraph.
The controversy began last week when the Emir made a statement on Tinubu’s administration, noting that he would no longer offer advice on how to address the country’s economic challenges.
Speaking at a memorial lecture in honor of the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Sanusi explained that he had initially assisted the government but had decided to stop, unless the Tinubu administration behaved more like a friend.
“I have chosen not to speak on the economy or reforms, or to explain anything, because if I do, it will help this government. But I don’t want to help this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like a friend,” he stated.
The Federal Government responded sharply, stating it did not need the Emir’s approval for Tinubu’s policies.
In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris expressed disappointment over Sanusi’s comments.
In a rebuttal via his X handle, Sanusi claimed that his statement had been sensationalized and misrepresented. He clarified that his comments were taken out of context, and the fuller message of his speech was ignored.
Sanusi emphasized that his speech highlighted support for Tinubu’s reforms, recognition of the sacrifices Nigerians were making due to past mismanagement, and his belief that there was hope for the future.
He said, “They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalized it; nothing about the nuanced support given to the government, that there are arguments supporting the reforms, that we are paying a price for decades of mismanagement before Tinubu, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that we should all pray and support the system and acknowledge the good things happening.”
