“My Comments on Tinubu’s Policies Were Taken Out of Context and Sensationalised” – Emir Sanusi II

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has dismissed reports suggesting he refused to explain President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, stating that his remarks were misrepresented and sensationalised.

Sanusi’s comments at a memorial lecture for the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, were widely interpreted as a refusal to discuss the government’s economic policies, with some reports claiming he did not want to aid the Tinubu administration. The remarks sparked criticism, including from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, who accused Sanusi of prioritising personal interests over national duty.

Responding in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sanusi expressed disappointment over how his words were framed. He clarified that his speech supported the government’s economic reforms and acknowledged the sacrifices Nigerians were making due to years of economic mismanagement. He argued that the media had taken a single paragraph out of context, ignoring the broader message of his speech, which emphasised hope and national unity.

“They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalised it,” Sanusi said. “Nothing about the nuanced support given to the government. That there are arguments supporting the reforms. That we are paying a price for decades of mismanagement before Tinubu. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. That we should all pray and support the system and talk about the good things happening.”

Sanusi reiterated that his position was not one of opposition but rather a call for Nigerians to endure the current hardships with the expectation of economic recovery.