According to Sanusi, his decision stems from the government's failure to behave like friends, despite their relationship.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has declared that he will not offer advice to President Bola Tinubu-led government on how to resolve Nigeria's current economic challenges.
Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, stated this while speaking at the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmiism with the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture held at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.
According to Sanusi, his decision stems from the government's failure to behave like friends, despite their relationship.
Sanusi emphasised that he has the expertise to provide insightful analysis on the country's economic situation, but has chosen not to do so. Instead, he believes it is the government's responsibility to explain its policies and decisions to Nigerians.
The Emir also criticised the government for lacking credible individuals who can effectively communicate their policies.
He jokingly added that he would rather watch a movie with popcorn in his house than lend his expertise to the government.
Sanusi did, however, offer a parting remark, stating that Nigeria's current economic woes are, in part, a consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.
He said: “I can give a viewpoint that can explain what we are going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it and maybe avoidable.
“But I am not going to do that. I have chosen not to speak about the economy and the reforms or to even explain anything. Because if I explain it will help this government and I don’t want to help this government.
“They’re my friends, if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. I watched them being stewed and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing.
“I’m not going to help! Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued. Meanwhile, I am watching a movie with popcorn in my house.
“But I will say one thing, what we are going through today is at least in part and necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management.”
“I don’t want to help this government. They’re my friends, if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend… They don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I’m not going to help!”
Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi reveals why… pic.twitter.com/cWPxLA0jWg
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) January 15, 2025