The Federal Government has declared that it does not need the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s stamp of approval for President Bola Tinubu‘s laudable policies.
Naija News reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while responding to Sanusi’s remark about Tinubu’s policies.
Sanusi, while speaking at a Lagos event on Wednesday, said he would not help Tinubu’s government to correct the administration’s policies affecting the citizens.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stated that the current government has no people with credibility who could explain to Nigerians why their policies have caused hardship.
In a statement on Thursday, Idris berated Sanusu for confirming the policies he had earlier acknowledged as essential because of his shift in loyalty.
According to him, the Emir ought to contribute constructively, given his background in economics, rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his friends in government.
The statement read, “First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run. However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would publicly admit to shuffling off telling the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.
“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges. This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.
“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.
“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. The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signalling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery. Additionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.
“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 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. We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritize the greater good of Nigerians.
“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The challenges we face demand courage and collective effort, not divisive narratives. This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else.”