Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has clarified his recent remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, stating that his words were taken out of context and sensationalised.
Sanusi’s comments which came during an event honouring the late Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos on Wednesday, sparked widespread reactions.
During his speech, Sanusi had acknowledged the reforms introduced by the current administration but said he had decided “not to help the government.”
The former central bank governor remarked, “If I explained [the reforms], it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government. They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed, and they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help.”
The comments drew criticism, including a response from Idris Mohammed, Minister of Information and National Orientation, who accused Sanusi of prioritising personal interests.
“We find it amusing that a leader, especially one from an institution that upholds forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would admit to withholding the truth over personal grievances,” Idris said in a statement.
In response, Sanusi issued a statement on Friday explaining that his remarks were taken out of context.
He emphasised that his speech contained nuanced support for the government and acknowledged the challenges stemming from decades of mismanagement.
“They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalised it. Nothing about the speech, nothing about the nuanced support given to the government, was highlighted,” he said.
Sanusi further clarified that his speech countered the criticisms voiced during the event and urged Nigerians to support the administration. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. We should all pray, support the system, and highlight the good things happening,” he stated.
The Emir added that the “specific friends” he referred to in his comments understood his message, concluding, “I am used to my words being twisted. This too shall pass.”
