On Wednesday, the federal government of Nigeria issued a challenge against Emir Sanusi Lamido for his comment that he would not help the government explain its economic policies to Nigerians.

Emir Sanusi Lamido of Kano.

The Emir had said, “I don’t want to help this government. They’re my friends; if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend… They don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I’m not going to help!

“I observe their actions, and they lack credible individuals who can effectively explain their policies. However, I’m not here to assist (them). I began by offering support, but I’ve decided to stop.

“I will not discuss the matter any further. Let them come forward and explain to Nigerians why the policies they have pursued have been implemented. Meanwhile, I am enjoying a nice movie with popcorn in hand.

The Emir, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, made his scathing remarks in Lagos at the Memorial Lecture of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with the theme, “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”

“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,” Emir Sanusi said at the lecture, which he chaired.

“I will say one thing. What we are going through today is, at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” he said.

“People were warned decades ago that if they continued down this path, this is where they would end up. They chose not to listen.Is everything being done today, correct? No.” The Emir said.

The federal government swiftly responded in a statement signed by the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris:

We Don’t Need Sanusi’s Stamp of Approval for Laudable Policies

Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation

“The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at a public event in Lagos. We note the emir’s acknowledgement of the noble initiatives that, he said, he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government.

“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run. However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would publicly admit to shuffling off telling the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“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.

“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.

“These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks. The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signalling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery. Additionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.

It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognised as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of a shift in loyalty. His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his “friends” in government.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust. Instead, they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country; what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The challenges we face demand courage and collective effort, not divisive narratives. This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else.

“Let history record this moment as a turning point—when leaders and citizens alike choose to prioritise the nation’s destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all.”

Beyond his withheld advisory on the economy, Emir Sanusi spoke on attributes of the late Gani Fawehinmi and asked Nigeria to return to what he called foundational values.

“For now, I am here to honour Chief Gani Fawehinmi,” Emir Sanusi, before going on to call for a return to the foundational values of integrity and highlighting the lessons of the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria’s life.

“What we need to do is revisit our values. Do we truly possess those values? Are we genuinely committed to our work? What is the integrity with which we approach our tasks? For someone like Gani, these are the lessons from his life,” he said.

“I am here to remind us all of what he stood for, to encourage us, and to plead with us to return, as I mentioned recently, to the distinction between who we are and what we are. Our identity is defined by those qualities that Gani embodies. They revolve around our values—what we can control and who we are.

These values, the Emir believes, matter regardless of ethnicity, religion, and region. “If you are a thief, you are a thief—whether you are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Muslim, Christian, a lawyer, or otherwise. That is your identity.

“You could be from the north or the south, wealthy or poor, a president or an emir. These are aspects of your identity. You may not like it, but that is the reality. Can we please begin to reflect and stop taking pride in superficial, misleading distinctions?”

Nigerians Debate Comments on Social Media
Meanwhile, the social media was awash with commentaries on Emir Sanusi’s comment. Ms. Ayo Obe said the Emir should consider helping Nigerians and not the government; otherwise, he’ll be perceived as being petty. “What a disappointing statement!

“Not the loss of Emir Sanusi’s advice or help (it may or may not be useful; who knows? But because the reason given is so petty and unpatriotic: that it may help this administration, they may not listen to a whole me! What about helping Nigeria?” she wrote.

Some other comments lampooned the Emir and urged him to start his help from Kano State and the entire Northern region. Yusuf Adebanjo said, “I think he should face front and mind the affairs of his emirate! I expected him to have learnt some lessons from his recently challenging past. This PBAT government holds no prisoners; with an anarchy of intellectuals, they will surely fire their rebuttals. He should be prepared.”

Another individual urged the government to “Accept the data as it is.” Inflation remains high at over 34%, yet we can still observe government excesses. One Oke Daniel wrote, “I believe he (Emir) was simply asserting that he wouldn’t act as a spokesperson for the government in explaining their policies. While his tone might come across as arrogant, it’s not uncommon for people of influence or means to adopt such attitudes. He’s well understood by his friends.”

Another, Dr. Vincent Akinsan, Another commenter, Dr. Vincent Akinsan, stated: “We all anticipated these reforms and challenges, as Nigeria’s economy found itself in a difficult situation in May 2023, with no realistic way out.”

“The only thing new and unfortunate is that the persons who should now robustly be explaining the necessity and benefits of these reforms and programs to Nigerians with facts and figures are more interested in social media attacks on critics and advocates of good governance, leaving an avoidable gap in information flow between the governing and the governed.”