The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has declared that he will no longer offer advice to the administration of President Bola Tinubu on addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Sanusi made the statement on Wednesday while speaking as the chairman at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi held in Lagos.
The former Central Bank Governor said he had initially provided assistance to the government but has decided to withdraw further support, criticising its handling of 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 stated 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 attributed the current economic challenges to decades of poor management, describing the situation as a “necessary consequence” of irresponsible 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.
Sanusi further 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.