Sanusi Clarifies Remarks on Tinubu’s Reforms, Denies Criticism of Government

Muhammad Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, has clarified his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, stating that his words were taken out of context and sensationalized.

Sanusi’s remarks, made during an event in Lagos honoring the late Gani Fawehinmi on Wednesday, sparked widespread reactions after he appeared to criticize the government.

During his speech, Sanusi acknowledged the administration’s reforms but noted he had decided “not to help the government.”

“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,” Sanusi said at the event.

His comments drew criticism, including a response from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, who accused Sanusi of prioritizing personal grievances over national interest.

“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,” Mohammed said in a statement.

In a statement issued on Friday, Sanusi explained that his comments were misrepresented, emphasizing that his speech contained nuanced support for the government and acknowledged the challenges resulting from decades of mismanagement.

“They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalized it. Nothing about the speech, nothing about the nuanced support given to the government, was highlighted,” Sanusi said.

The Emir clarified that he had countered criticisms voiced at 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.

Sanusi also noted that the “specific friends” he referred to in his remarks understood the intent of his message.

“I am used to my words being twisted. This too shall pass,” he concluded.

The clarification seeks to address the backlash and reaffirm Sanusi’s stance on supporting the government’s efforts while holding it accountable.