The federal government says it does not need the approval of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, on how to tackle the nation’s economic challenges.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in a statement on Thursday in response to the emir’s speech in Lagos in which he said he would no longer offer advice to the government.
Mr Sanusi, a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Gani Fawehinmi, on Wednesday, said he would no longer offer advice to President Bola Tinubu administration on how to tackle the country’s economic challenges.
Some economic policies of the government, notably the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rates, have subjected Nigerians to hardship since their introduction.
Mr Sanusi, who was recently restored to his position some years after deposition, said initially he tried to help the government but decided not to do so again.
“I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, not to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government.
“I chose not to help this government. You see, they are my friends. If they fail to act like friends, I will not act like one,” he said.
In his statement, Mr Idris said Mr Sanusi, like any other Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express opinion on how the government is being run, the administration found it amusing that the traditional ruler would not say the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.
“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express opinion either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran.”
He urge Mr Sanusi “to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.”
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
