FG To Emir Sanusi: We Don’t Need Your Help; Your Attacks Based On ‘Personal Interest’

The federal government has taken a swipe at the Emir Of Kano over his recent remark that he was not prepared to ‘help’  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to change the country.

President Tinubu needs no assistance from the Emir on how to steer the ship of the country, the federal government said on Thursday.

The administration made the rebuttal in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed.

Emir Sanusi had on Wednesday, during an event in Lagos, said he has decided not to ‘help’ the president in his quest to navigate the current challenges in the country because the administration is unfriendly to him.

Speaking on the state of the nation yesterday Sanusi said the administration has no credible people to explain to Nigerians what’s doing, he’s not prepared to help either, he said because the government did not value his past interventions.

What Sanusi said: “I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that.

“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government.

“You know they are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stooges.

“And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help.

“I started out helping, but I am not going to help. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued.

“Meanwhile, I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. But I will say one thing: What we are going through today is, at least in part, not totally, but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management. People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes.

“Now, is everything being done today correct? No,” Sanusi asserted.

Reacting, Idis in a statement titled “We Don’t Need Sanusi’s Stamp Of Approval For LG’s Laudable Policies’ said Sanusi was only attacking the president because of pecuniary gains and selfish interest.

According to the minister, the traditional ruler is expected to uphold the truth at all times considering the lofty position he’s occupying but had chosen to “antagonize” the administration of president Tinubu because of “personal interest”.

Idris said President Tinubu has chosen to take the country through a difficult reform and economic process because of its belief that it’s the country will benefit on the long run, noting that the current pains Nigerians are going through are due to irresponsible past leadership in the country.

He said Sanusi alluded to this when he admitted that the reforms are “ necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.”

Following, FG’s Statement:

WE DON’T NEED SANUSI’S STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR FG’s  LAUDABLE POLICIES

The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, at a public event in Lagos. We note the emir’s acknowledgement of the noble initiatives which, he said, he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government”.

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.

Let history record this moment as a turning point—when leaders and citizens alike choose to prioritize the nation’s destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr

Minister of Information and National Orientation

January 16, 2025