The 16th Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms.
Sanusi II, who spoke earlier in the week during an event organized in Lagos to honor the late human rights activist and legal stalwart, SAN Chief Gani Fawehinmi, expressed disappointment over his words being sensationalized and misrepresented of.
Sanusi is criticizing Tinubu's economic reforms due to 'change in loyalties' – Federal Government
The emperor's initial comments sparked nationwide reactions when he said he chose not to “help the government” by explaining the benefits of the administration's reforms. “I have decided not to speak about the economy or reforms nor to clarify anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don't want to help this government,'' he was quoted as saying.
His statement also included sharp criticism of the government's communication strategies. “They don't even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. But I'm not going to help,'' he said.
The comments prompted a public reaction, with Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed accusing Sanusi II of prioritizing personal interests over national duty. “We find it amusing that a leader, especially from an institution that promotes candor, impartiality and justice, would publicly admit that he is acting out of personal interest based on imaginary hostilities,” Mohammed said in a statement on Thursday. He is shying away from telling the truth.” ,
But, Sanusi II has clarified that his comments were taken out of context, limiting the broader message of his speech to a single paragraph. He stressed that his speech supported the government's reforms while acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigerians due to years of economic mismanagement.
Sanusi II said, “He took a paragraph out of context and sensationalized it.” “Nothing about micro support given to the government. There are arguments in support of reforms. We are paying the price for decades of mismanagement before Tinubu. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. We all should pray and support the system and talk about the good things that are happening.”
He also emphasized that his speech during the event served as a counter-narrative to the criticisms of the government. He said his remarks were ideologically charged but misunderstood, adding that his reference to “friends” in the government was a coded message to specific individuals.
“There is no point in dragging out this matter. Hopefully, at some point, people in government will understand that I was speaking for them in an ideologically charged environment,'' he said.
Despite the backlash, Sanusi II urged Nigerians to move forward, saying, “This too shall pass.”
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