Sanusi Defends Position on Tinubu’s Reforms Amid Controversy

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, clarifying that his words were misunderstood and sensationalized by the media.

Sanusi made the comments during an event in Lagos on Wednesday, where he was honoring the late Gani Fawehinmi. His speech, which acknowledged the reforms of the current administration, sparked intense reactions. In his address, Sanusi expressed a reluctance to publicly support the government, stating, “If I explained [the reforms], it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government.”

The former Central Bank Governor explained that his decision to withhold assistance stemmed from personal principles, stating, “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.”

This statement quickly attracted criticism, including a response from Idris Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, who accused Sanusi of letting personal grievances overshadow his duty to the nation. “We find it amusing that a leader, especially one from an institution that upholds forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would admit to withholding the truth over personal grievances,” Mohammed said.

In a bid to clarify his position, Sanusi issued a statement on Friday, explaining that the media had taken his comments out of context. He pointed out that his speech actually contained support for the government, highlighting the challenges of tackling mismanagement after decades of poor governance.

He emphasized, “They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalized it. Nothing about the speech, nothing about the nuanced support given to the government, was highlighted.”

Sanusi further clarified that his words were not meant to undermine the administration but to encourage constructive criticism and support for the nation’s progress. He remarked, “There is light at the end of the tunnel. We should all pray, support the system, and highlight the good things happening.”

The Emir added that the specific friends he had referred to in his speech understood his message, and he concluded, “I am used to my words being twisted. This too shall pass.”