- The Emir who made a stunning return to the ancient and revered throne in Kano last year, four years after being deposed by the state government led then by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, is unhappy with how the Federal Government has acted towards him.
- His return to power under new Kano Governor Abba Yusuf is being challenged in court by the deposed 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, and there have been claims that the Federal Government favours Bayero, claims the FG has denied.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, announced that he will no longer provide economic guidance to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This declaration was made during the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, where Sanusi served as the event’s chairman.
Sanusi explained that he initially attempted to assist the government but has now decided to withhold further support.
He stated, “I don’t want to help the government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t act like one. So, I watch them struggle, and they don’t even have people with credibility to explain their actions.
“But I’m not going to help. I started out offering advice, but that’s not happening anymore. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why they are pursuing these policies. In the meantime, I’ll sit back and enjoy a good movie with popcorn.”
According to Sanusi, Nigeria’s current economic difficulties are partly due to decades of irresponsible economic management by previous governments.
He emphasized, “What we are going through now is a necessary consequence of years of poor economic governance. We were warned repeatedly, but no one listened. Now, is everything being done today correct? No.”
Sanusi stressed that personal integrity, courage, and discipline are more important than wealth or power.
He urged, “Can we please ask ourselves, ‘Who am I?’” He lamented that people often become consumed by power, adding, “People get into power, but they don’t know how to use it.”
“They think it belongs to them. We need to stop taking pride in these temporary, superficial things.”
Sanusi’s current focus is honoring Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy.
He encouraged the audience to reflect on Fawehinmi’s integrity and re-examine the distinction between “who we are” and “what we are.” Sanusi also encouraged lawyers to emulate Fawehinmi’s commitment to integrity, character, and justice.
In his goodwill message, Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) praised Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s enduring legacy, describing him as a symbol of courage and justice.
Keyamo acknowledged Fawehinmi’s significant impact on human rights, public service, and the legal profession.
Keyamo credited Fawehinmi’s mentorship with shaping his activism and legal career.
He expressed hope that the event’s discussions would yield ideas for promoting Nigeria’s sustainable development and social justice.
“I trust the deliberations will offer solutions that can guide our nation toward economic progress and fairness,” he added.
