Emir Of Kano, Sanusi,  Commends Jonathan, Says Fmr. President Showed Leadership At Critical Times

By Gideon Njoku

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said that he is not a fan of President Goodluck Jonathan because the former President suspended him from office as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. But, said the outspoken Emir in a shared video, it does not stop him from commending the former President.

Emir Sanusi, who offered offered a balanced opinion on Jonathan’s actions as a President at critical periods in Nigeria’s economic history said of him:

“I’m not a fan of Jonathan. He suspended me because of my work, but you have to commend him.”

The Emir noted that there were, of course, moments of tension between him and Jonathan’s administration, especially, as it concerned transparency and fiscal policies, but he noted that the former President  demonstrated admirable restraint and leadership when it mattered most.

For instance, said the .

Emir who cited the 2012 fuel subsidy controversy as a key example, Jonathan made a difficult compromise to prevent national unrest.

Sanusi:  “He was determined to remove the subsidy, but he compromised to save Nigerian lives at a time when suicide bombings were rampant. That decision showed leadership and compassion.”

He pointed out that quite a number of the economic challenges Nigeria faces today could have been cushioned if the government had  implemented, fully, subsidy reforms back then as pursued by Jonathan.

Sanusi maintained that despite his disagreements with Jonathan, the former President “deserves recognition for making tough choices in turbulent times.”

He added that “acknowledging good leadership, even from those one disagrees with, is essential for national growth and truthfulness in public discourse.”