The Federal Government has delivered a sharp rebuttal to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, expressing disappointment over his refusal to endorse the government’s actions.
Sanusi, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, had voiced his hesitation to speak in support of the reforms, stating, “I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only help this government, and I don’t want to help this government.” His comments were made at a public event in Lagos, where he also indicated that he would withhold his explanations despite the significant economic impact of the reforms.
In response, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, acknowledged that Sanusi’s decision to withhold support for the government’s economic agenda was his personal choice, but expressed frustration at his stance.
“It is rather curious for someone from an institution that champions transparency and integrity to openly admit to withholding the truth due to personal interests,” Idris remarked.
The Minister stressed that while everyone has the right to their opinion, the reforms under President Tinubu were designed to confront deep-rooted economic challenges, requiring bold and transformative actions. These reforms, including the unification of exchange rates and the removal of the fuel subsidy, are vital steps to secure Nigeria’s economic future.
Idris addressed Sanusi’s acknowledgment that the current economic pains were a necessary result of years of mismanagement, stating that these reforms are already showing positive results. “The unification of exchange rates has instilled investor confidence, leading to increased foreign reserves and better protection from external shocks,” he noted.
The government also highlighted the positive outlook for Nigeria’s economy, pointing to World Bank projections showing an upward trend in GDP and improvements in key sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
While expressing disappointment over Sanusi’s sudden criticism, Idris emphasized that Nigeria’s path to recovery requires unity and collective effort. “It is disheartening that reforms which were previously endorsed by experts like Emir Sanusi are now being subtly undermined,” he said.
Idris urged leaders like the Emir to set aside personal and partisan interests and work towards the greater good of the country. “This is a pivotal time for Nigeria, and what is needed is collaboration, not division,” he concluded.
The Federal Government reiterated that it remains committed to advancing economic reforms and fostering inclusivity, with a focus on long-term growth. The administration remains open to dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while steadfastly putting the country’s interests first.