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Emir of Kano and ex-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Muhammadu Sanusi II has declared that he will not assist the current administration in justifying its economic policies.
Speaking at the 21st memorial lecture for Chief Gani Fawehinmi, hosted by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos on Wednesday, Sanusi criticized the government’s handling of the economy.
The event centred on the theme, “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”
Sanusi stated that while he can explain the rationale behind some of the ongoing economic reforms, he has deliberately chosen not to do so.
According to him, offering such explanations would only benefit the administration, a position he is unwilling to take.
“I have decided not to speak on the economy or the reforms, nor to explain any of it. If I did, it would only serve to help this government, and I don’t want to do that,” Sanusi said.
He added that much of the current economic turmoil was foreseeable and could have been mitigated.
“I could stand here and provide insights on what we’re going through—most of which was predictable and, in some cases, avoidable—but I won’t.
“They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t either. So, I watch them struggle.”
Sanusi also criticized the government for lacking credible voices to communicate its policies effectively.
“They don’t even have credible individuals to explain their actions to Nigerians. I’m not going to step in to help,” he remarked.
The traditional ruler attributed the economic crisis partly to years of poor economic management.
“What we are experiencing today is, at least in part, the result of decades of irresponsible economic policies. Let them explain to Nigerians why they have pursued these strategies,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Sanusi likened his position to being a detached observer. “For now, I’m watching this unfold like a movie—with popcorn in hand,” he quipped.