In a bold statement that is sure to reverberate across Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has publicly declared that he will not offer any advice to the administration of President Bola Tinubu as it grapples with the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
Speaking at the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmiism, the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture held in Ikeja, Lagos, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, who is renowned for his forthrightness, made it clear that he has chosen to disengage from any involvement with the government. The lecture, organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, was centered on 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,” Sanusi told the gathering. “If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government.”
His remarks were a direct rejection of his previous position as an adviser to economic reforms, where his expertise had been sought by various administrations in the past. For the Emir, it was not merely a decision of reluctance but one rooted in personal principles and frustrations with the government’s approach.
“I choose not to help this government. You see, they are my friends. If they fail to act like friends, I will not act like one,” Sanusi continued, referring to some of the key figures in the administration. The former CBN governor, who was once a close ally to several members of the ruling elite, emphasized that his decision to distance himself is based on what he perceives as a lack of credibility within the current government.
“I observe their actions, and they lack credible individuals who can effectively explain their policies,” Sanusi said. “However, I’m not here to assist them. Let them come forward and explain to Nigerians why the policies they have pursued have been implemented.”
In what seemed like an expression of disillusionment with the administration, Sanusi concluded, “Meanwhile, I am enjoying a nice movie with popcorn in hand.”
Economic Challenges and the Root Cause
Though he chose to stay out of direct discourse on government policies, the Emir did not shy away from offering insight into the broader economic malaise afflicting the country. According to him, the current economic hardships are not merely a consequence of recent policies but are deeply rooted in decades of mismanagement and neglect of crucial reforms.
“What we are going through today is at least in part, not totally, at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,” he stated firmly. “People were warned decades ago that if they continued down this path, this is where they would end up. They chose not to listen.”
Sanusi’s words echo the sentiments of many Nigerian economists who have long criticized the country’s leadership for failing to implement sustainable economic strategies. From the oil boom of the 1970s to the present day, Nigeria’s economic history has been marred by inconsistent policies, dependence on oil revenues, and a lack of diversification. The Emir’s assertion that the current economic crisis was predictable and avoidable resonates with those who have long argued that Nigeria’s economic planners ignored key warning signs.
“Is everything being done today, correct? No,” Sanusi added, acknowledging that mistakes have been made even by those who are now at the helm of the nation’s affairs. Yet, his reluctance to engage with the government indicates his belief that the current leadership lacks the political will to address the structural issues at the heart of the country’s economic challenges.
A Focus on Gani Fawehinmi’s Legacy
Despite his disappointment with the government, Sanusi made it clear that the event was not about political commentary but rather about honoring the legacy of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the human rights lawyer and activist for whom the lecture was named. Fawehinmi’s work, which included his unflinching advocacy for justice and accountability, is something Sanusi sees as vital in the current moment.
“For now, I am here to honor Chief Gani Fawehinmi,” Sanusi said, as he turned the focus of his address to a call for a return to the foundational values of integrity, transparency, and ethical governance. He pointed out that Nigeria’s current malaise is not just economic but also moral and ethical.
“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?” Sanusi said, echoing Fawehinmi’s call for Nigerians to live up to the standards of honesty and diligence in their professional and personal lives.
According to Sanusi, these values are not merely aspirational ideals but practical guidelines that can be applied to improve the country. The Emir stressed that the lessons of Fawehinmi’s life could guide Nigeria out of its current difficulties, provided Nigerians return to the essential principles of accountability and justice.
Sanusi, who spoke about the importance of ethical behavior and the need to eliminate corruption, made a pointed remark about identity in Nigerian society. “If you are a thief, you are a thief—whether you are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Muslim, Christian, a lawyer, or otherwise,” he stated, emphasizing that one’s identity should be defined by integrity and actions, not superficial distinctions based on ethnicity, religion, or status. This call for ethical renewal is something the Emir believes transcends regional and ethnic boundaries. “Whether you are 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’s the reality
