The Federal Government has hit back at the Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, asserting that it does not require his endorsement for its policies, which it described as “laudable and people-centered.”
In a statement issued early Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government urged the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor to set aside personal and partisan interests, focusing instead on the collective well-being of Nigerians.
The statement was a direct response to remarks made by Emir Sanusi during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos. The monarch had criticized the nation’s economic trajectory, suggesting the current challenges were both “predictable and avoidable.”
Speaking at the event, the Emir expressed reluctance to advise President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating, “I can give a few points here about what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable. But I am not going to do that. I have chosen not to speak on the economy, or reforms, or to explain anything because if I explain it, 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.”
This candid declaration sparked widespread reactions, prompting the Federal Government’s swift rebuttal.
In his statement, Minister Idris emphasized that governance transcends personal grievances or political allegiances. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to implementing difficult but necessary reforms, adding that such changes require national unity and support rather than divisive rhetoric.
“While constructive criticism is welcome, we must rise above selfish interests to collectively advance Nigeria’s growth. The policies being implemented by the Tinubu administration are not for immediate gratification but to secure a better future for all Nigerians,” the statement read.
The government further urged the Emir to leverage his vast knowledge and influence for the benefit of the nation, rather than using his platform to advance what it described as “partisan undertones.”
The clash between the Federal Government and Emir Sanusi, who is known for his outspoken nature, has once again underscored the ongoing tensions between traditional leaders and political authorities in addressing Nigeria’s economic realities.
As the nation grapples with rising inflation, subsidy removal challenges, and foreign exchange reforms, experts argue that collaboration between all stakeholders—including traditional institutions—will be crucial to achieving sustainable solutions.
While Emir Sanusi’s reservations remain a topic of debate, the Federal Government has made it clear that its policies will continue to prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people, with or without his approval.
This exchange sets the stage for a deeper discourse on the role of traditional leaders in shaping public policy, as Nigeria continues to navigate its complex economic and political landscape.
PIONEER NEWS 