The Northern Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (NPCD) has publicly opposed comments made by the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that were critical of the President’s economic policies.
Mohammed Yahaya, the leader of the NPCD, criticized the Emir during a press conference on Friday.
The Emir had previously spoken at a memorial lecture where he stated that he would not offer economic advice to the current government due to personal disagreements.
Sanusi claimed that the president’s administration lacked the necessary skills to provide the benefits of democracy to the people.
In his speech, Sanusi noted as follows
“I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, 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.”
Yahaya pointed out that, while serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emir Sanusi consistently urged the removal of subsidies and the harmonization of exchange rates.
“Today, when President Tinubu has courageously implemented these very reforms, Sanusi has chosen to undermine them with veiled criticism and a refusal to offer constructive advice,” Yahaya stated.
He further claimed that Sanusi’s time in office did not bring about the fundamental changes needed to solve Nigeria’s long-term economic problems.
“Yet, rather than supporting these efforts or offering constructive criticism, Emir Sanusi has chosen the dead-end path of empty cynicism.
“One cannot help but question whether this posture is rooted in genuine concern for Nigeria or personal grievances and partisan loyalties driven by selfish interests.
“It is disingenuous for someone who had the opportunity to influence policy at the highest levels to now posture as a detached commentator. If anything, his tenure only reinforced the status quo, with no lasting impact on economic inclusivity or structural diversification of Nigeria’s economy,” Yahya pointed out.
The group expressed confidence that the President’s reforms are internationally acknowledged by global institutions as crucial steps towards placing Nigeria’s economy on a path of enduring growth.
“Furthermore, many international institutions, such as the World Bank and IMF, have acknowledged the potential long-term benefits of these policies, with projections of economic recovery and resilience on the horizon,” the group maintained.
The group highlighted the importance of cooperation, communication, and unwavering dedication to the collective welfare for successful nation-building.
