Sanusi Criticizes Tinubu Administration’s Economic Policies, Declines to Offer Advice

By DAYO ADESULU

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, voiced strong criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s economy during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos. Speaking at the event themed “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”, Sanusi accused the administration of lacking capable personnel to communicate its policies effectively and failing to address Nigeria’s economic challenges adequately.

Key Highlights of Sanusi’s Criticism

1. Economic Mismanagement:
   • Sanusi stated that the Tinubu administration had not handled the economy properly and declined to offer advice, citing a lack of reciprocity from the government.
   • He remarked, “When I’m ready to discuss the economy, I will.”
2. Communication Deficit:
   • The former CBN governor argued that the government’s image makers lacked the pedigree to explain its policies to Nigerians, leading to public misunderstanding and unrest over economic measures.
3. Fuel Subsidy Removal and Naira Float:
   • Tinubu’s controversial policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, have drawn sharp criticism for exacerbating inflation and economic hardship.
   • Sanusi acknowledged that Nigeria’s current struggles were partly due to decades of poor governance but emphasized the need for competent management moving forward.
4. Personal Stance on Advice:
   • Unlike during previous administrations, Sanusi said he would not provide guidance to Tinubu’s government, stating, “If they don’t act like friends, I won’t act like one either.”

Praise for Gani Fawehinmi and Call for Integrity

Sanusi urged Nigerian lawyers to uphold the integrity and principles exemplified by the late Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights activist and legal luminary. He lamented the erosion of ethical standards in the legal profession and called for a return to Fawehinmi’s values of courage, justice, and moral excellence.

Reactions from Other Speakers

1. Festus Keyamo:
   • Represented by a Federal Airport Authority official, the Minister of Aviation praised Fawehinmi’s enduring legacy, describing him as a symbol of courage and justice.
   • Keyamo highlighted Fawehinmi’s influence on his own career in activism and law.
2. NBA and Other Legal Figures:
   • NBA President Afam Osigwe, Lagos Attorney General Lawal Pedro, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana joined in celebrating Fawehinmi’s contributions while reflecting on Nigeria’s ongoing legal and economic challenges.

Context and Background

Sanusi’s remarks come amid widespread criticism of the Tinubu government’s economic policies, which have triggered inflation and public discontent. The administration is under pressure to demonstrate the benefits of its reforms amidst growing calls for clarity and better policy articulation.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Presidency were unsuccessful, as presidential spokespersons were unavailable at the time of reporting.