In a recent address commemorating the late Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, clarified his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, emphasizing that his previous remarks had been misinterpreted and sensationalized.
During his speech, Sanusi acknowledged the necessity of the current administration’s reforms but expressed a deliberate choice to refrain from publicly defending them. He stated, “If I explained [the reforms], it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government. They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed, and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help.”
These comments prompted criticism, notably from Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, who accused Sanusi of placing personal grievances above national interest. In response, Sanusi issued a statement clarifying that his remarks were taken out of context, emphasizing that his speech contained nuanced support for the government’s initiatives.
Emir Sanusi emphasised that his speech contained nuanced support for the government and acknowledged the challenges stemming from decades of mismanagement.
“They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalised it. Nothing about the speech, nothing about the nuanced support given to the government, was highlighted,” he said.
Sanusi further clarified that his speech countered the criticisms voiced during the event and urged Nigerians to support the administration. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. We should all pray, support the system, and highlight the good things happening,” he stated.
Sanusi added that the “specific friends” he referred to in his comments understood his message, concluding, “I am used to my words being twisted. This too shall pass.”
