Abuja, Jan. 16, 2025 – The federal government has advised Nigerian leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust.
It said instead, they owed it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria.
The federal government gave the advice in a statement on Thursday while reacting to a comment allegedly made by the Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, on his relationship with the government and his unreadiness to help the government on its economic policies.
The statement issued by Idris Mohammed, the Minister of Information, advised the emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.
The statement reads in parts: “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 which, 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 recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of 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.”
