The Northern Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (NPCD) has voiced strong disapproval of recent remarks by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms. The group, led by its convener Mohammed Yahaya, accused the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor of undermining the administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking at the 21st memorial lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, Sanusi openly criticized the Tinubu administration, claiming the president’s team lacked the expertise to implement effective economic policies. The former CBN Governor stated he would not offer advice to the government, citing personal grievances.
“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,” Sanusi said. He further claimed, “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.”
NPCD Accuses Sanusi of Hypocrisy
In a press briefing on Friday, Yahaya condemned Sanusi’s comments, accusing him of adopting a “dead-end path of empty cynicism.” He pointed out that during his tenure as CBN Governor, Sanusi had championed the same policies President Tinubu is now implementing, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate unification.
“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 said.
The NPCD convener argued that Sanusi’s tenure failed to deliver systemic reforms necessary for Nigeria’s economic progress. “Rather than supporting these efforts or offering constructive criticism, Emir Sanusi has chosen to 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,” Yahaya added.
Yahaya also highlighted international recognition of Tinubu’s economic reforms, citing endorsements from institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “These measures are critical to repositioning Nigeria’s economy on a sustainable growth trajectory,” he emphasized.
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Federal Government Weighs In
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also responded to Sanusi’s remarks, expressing surprise at the former Emir’s refusal to support the government. Idris described Sanusi’s stance as inconsistent with his past advocacy for economic reforms.
“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,” Idris said.
The minister defended the administration’s decisions, such as exchange rate unification and subsidy removal, noting their potential to bolster investor confidence and free up resources for critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Idris also highlighted projections from the World Bank and other international institutions, which forecast an upward trajectory for Nigeria’s GDP and long-term economic recovery.
Legacy of Sanusi as CBN Governor
Sanusi’s tenure as CBN Governor, which began in June 2009 during the Great Recession, was marked by bold interventions in the banking sector. He led efforts to rescue failing banks, injecting over ₦600 billion of public funds and prosecuting bank executives involved in financial misconduct. However, critics argue that his tenure did not address deeper structural economic issues.
The NPCD called for unity and collaboration among stakeholders to navigate Nigeria’s economic challenges. “Nation-building requires collaboration, dialogue, and a strong commitment to the common good,” Yahaya said, urging Sanusi and other leaders to set aside personal grievances and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development.