The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has made it clear that he will not offer any support to the Federal Government as it grapples with multiple economic and security challenges. Sanusi, who was speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, expressed his stance during the Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch.
In his address, themed “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?” the Emir openly declared, “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, who chaired the lecture, further criticized the government’s handling of economic policies, making it clear that he intends to remain neutral in supporting the administration’s efforts. His decision not to engage with government policies comes at a time when Nigeria is facing heightened economic uncertainty, with calls for reforms and austerity measures.
His stance is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the role of traditional rulers in national affairs, particularly when it comes to influencing public policy during periods of economic difficulty.
The lecture attracted significant attention, drawing participants from various sectors who listened as Sanusi shared his views on Africa’s economic future. His refusal to offer assistance to the government has sparked reactions from political analysts and economic experts, who are now debating the implications of such a move by a key figure like the Emir of Kano.
