Emir Sanusi: I’ve Chosen Not to Discuss Reforms or Assist This Government

Emir Sanusi announces his decision to refrain from commenting on reforms or offering support to the current government, citing personal reasons and broader political considerations.

As the Federal Government strives to address various economic and security issues, it will not receive support from one of the nation’s most prominent traditional leaders, Muhammadu Sanusi, the Emir of Kano.

On Wednesday, during the Memorial Lecture for Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, the Emir—who previously served as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria—revealed his stance and plans regarding the economy and government.

The Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) hosted a lecture themed, “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”

Emir Sanusi stated at the lecture he chaired, “I have chosen not to discuss the economy or the reforms, nor to provide any explanation about them. Offering an explanation would only serve to benefit this government, and I do not wish to assist it.”

The Emir, who made a remarkable comeback to the prestigious and historic throne in Kano last year—four years after being removed by the state government under then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje—is dissatisfied with how he has been treated by the Federal Government.

His reinstatement under the new Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf, is being contested in court by Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed 15th Emir. There are allegations that the Federal Government supports Bayero; however, these claims have been denied by government officials.

“I’ve decided not to assist this government because they are my friends. If they don’t behave as true friends should, I won’t either,” explained Emir Sanusi regarding his decision.

I notice they don’t have credible people who can clearly articulate their policies. Initially, I intended to help them, but I’ve chosen not to continue supporting them anymore.

I won’t talk about this issue anymore. They should step up and explain to Nigerians the reasons behind their policies. In the meantime, I’m relaxing with a good movie and some popcorn in hand.

“People were cautioned.”

While the Emir chose not to advise the Federal Government or comment on ongoing reforms, he expressed his views on why the country finds itself in its current state: unheeded warnings.

He stated, “I’ll say this: what we’re experiencing today is partly—though not entirely—a necessary result of decades of irresponsible economic management.”

Decades ago, people were cautioned that continuing on this path would lead them here. However, they chose not to heed the warning.

“Is everything being done today right? No.”

“Go Back to Core Principles”

Emir Sanusi believed it was more appropriate to concentrate on the esteemed legal luminary in whose honor the lecture was organized, rather than focusing on economic issues.

“Presently, I am here to pay tribute to Chief Gani Fawehinmi,” stated Emir Sanusi, before proceeding to advocate for a return to foundational values of integrity and emphasize the important lessons from the life of the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“We need to reassess our values. Do we genuinely embody those principles? Are we sincerely dedicated to our work, and do we approach it with integrity? For someone like Gani, these are the key lessons from his life,” he stated.

I am here to remind us of what he represented, to inspire and urge us all to revisit the distinction between who we are as individuals and our roles or circumstances. Our identity is shaped by qualities that Gani personified, focusing on core values—those aspects we can control—and defining who we truly are.

The Emir believes that these values are important, regardless of one’s ethnicity, religion, or region.

“If you’re a thief, your identity remains the same regardless of whether you’re Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Muslim, Christian, a lawyer or anything else,” he stated.

Whether you’re from the north or south, wealthy or poor, a president or an emir—these are parts of your identity. While you might not like it, this is reality. Let’s start reflecting and move away from superficial and misleading distinctions that we mistakenly take pride in.

“A lasting impression”

In addition to Emir Sanusi, Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, praised the lasting legacy of the late Fawehinmi, characterizing him as a symbol of courage and justice.

In his goodwill message, Keyamo stated that “Chief Gani Fawehinmi made a lasting impact on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession.” This was communicated through Mr. Henry Agbebire, a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

His legacy, marked by courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice for the common man, serves as an inspiration to us all.

He remarked, “Having started my human rights activism under the guidance of Gani Fawehinmi, I take pride in the ongoing importance of issues he advocated for—such as citizens’ rights, accountable governance, and fair public policy. These principles continue to guide my work today.”

The minister expressed optimism that “the discussions will provide solutions to steer our nation toward economic advancement and equity.”

Among the distinguished guests at the lecture were Afam Osigwe (SAN), President of the Nigerian Bar Association; Lawal Pedro (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State; and Femi Falana (SAN), a noted human rights activist.