The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has openly criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of making missteps that are negatively affecting citizens. Speaking as the chairman of the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025) in Lagos on Wednesday, Sanusi expressed his refusal to assist the government in correcting its policies, citing their lack of mutual respect.
Sanusi, who has been a vocal figure on economic and political issues, remarked that although he had insights into the current government’s policies and could offer alternatives, he chose not to help. “I can give a few points that are contrary, that explain perhaps what we’re going through and how it was totally predictable, most of it, and maybe avoidable. But I am not going to do that,” he stated.
He further emphasized that while he had initially tried to assist the administration, he now refrained from doing so, accusing the government of not treating him as a friend despite their earlier relationship. “If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend,” Sanusi added. “I watch them being stooges. And they don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they are doing. I am not going to help. I started out helping, but I am not going to help.”
Sanusi also criticized the administration for ignoring warnings about the country’s economic trajectory. He highlighted the predictability of the current situation, stating, “People were told decades ago that if you continue along this path, this is where you’re going to end up, and they refused to open their eyes.”
The Emir’s comments come amid tensions between the federal government and his emirship, following his controversial deposition as the 14th Emir of Kano by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in 2020. Despite his reinstatement as the 16th Emir in 2024 under the New Nigeria Peoples Party-led Kano State Government, Sanusi has continued to face opposition, including from federal authorities, who still recognize his predecessor, Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
In December 2024, his palace was barricaded by police, with the state government accusing federal officials of attempting to create unrest in Kano.
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