Emir Sanusi reveals why he halted advocacy for Tinubu govt’s economic reform
Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has publicly declared his decision to cease assisting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in communicating the benefits of its economic reforms.
This decision stems from a perceived unfriendliness from the government towards him, which he articulated during the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture.
Emir Sanusi expressed that his relationship with the current government has soured, leading him to conclude that he can no longer act as a supportive ally.
He stated, “If they fail to act like friends, I will not act like one.” This indicates that personal relationships and mutual respect play a significant role in his willingness to engage with governmental affairs.
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He criticized the government’s inability to present its economic policies effectively. According to Sanusi, there is a deficiency of credible individuals within the administration who can articulate and explain their reforms convincingly to the public. He emphasized that he does not wish to fill this gap anymore, stating, “I am not here to assist.”
Emir Sanusi pointed out that Nigeria’s current economic challenges are partly due to decades of irresponsible economic management. He remarked that many had warned about the consequences of poor governance over time but were ignored. This historical perspective underlines his belief that while some current policies may be flawed, they are also a continuation of longstanding issues.
Sanusi called for the government itself to take responsibility for explaining its policies directly to Nigerians rather than relying on external voices like himself. He stated, “Let them come forward and explain to Nigerians why the policies they have pursued have been implemented.” This reflects his stance on accountability and transparency in governance.
In a somewhat light-hearted manner, he likened his current position to watching a movie while enjoying popcorn, suggesting that he is now merely an observer rather than an active participant in political discourse regarding economic reforms.
Beyond just withdrawing support for government communication efforts, Emir Sanusi urged Nigerians to revisit foundational values such as integrity and hard work—qualities he believes are essential for national progress.
