“I don’t want to help this government” Former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi reveals why he will not speak on Tinubu’s economic reforms

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has revealed that he will not speak on Tinubu’s economic reforms because he does not want to help President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) spoke on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Lagos as the chairman of the 21st Anniversary of Fawehinmiism (Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture 2025). 

He said explaining the government’s policies would help the government, but he has no intention of assisting them due to the way they had treated him. 

Sanusi said: “Honestly, 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. 

“I have chosen not to speak about the economy or the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, but I don’t want to help this government.” 

He added: “You know they’re my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So 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. I am not going to discuss it. Let them come and explain to Nigerians why the policies that are being pursued are being pursued. 

“Meanwhile, I’m watching a very nice movie with popcorn in my hands. But I will say one thing: What we are going through today is, at least in part, not totally, but at least in part, a necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management. 

“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. Now, is everything being done today correct? No.”