The Federal Government has responded to remarks made by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government acknowledged Sanusi’s right to express his views but criticized his admission of withholding public support for the reforms, attributing it to personal grievances.
Idris stated, “We acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion, whether in commendation or criticism of government policies. However, we find it amusing that a leader from an institution that embodies forthrightness, fairness, and justice would admit to withholding support due to personal interests hinged on perceived antagonism.”
Sanusi, while speaking at an event in Lagos on Wednesday, had acknowledged the necessity of the reforms but disclosed his decision not to advise the government publicly, citing personal reasons.
The Federal Government urged the Emir to rise above personal interests and focus on the greater good of Nigerians, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration during this pivotal time in the nation’s history.
“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,” Idris noted.
Highlighting the necessity of the reforms, the government referenced achievements such as the unification of exchange rates, which has boosted investor confidence and foreign reserves, and the removal of fuel subsidies, freeing resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Idris also acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the reforms, which he described as a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” a sentiment Sanusi had previously echoed.
Citing projections from international organizations, including the World Bank, the government underscored the positive long-term impact of these measures on Nigeria’s economic recovery.
The statement expressed disappointment in what it perceived as a shift in Sanusi’s stance and called on him to
