Sanusi tears into Tinubu as headline inflation at 35%, hardship hits citizens harder
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor now Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for mismanaging the economy, insisting that things are not being done right, a point also made by other opinion leaders as economic hardship crams more citizens into poverty every day.
The latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows headline inflation close to 35 per cent, making worse the economic dysfunctions citizens have faced for months running.
Sanusi said the government lacks people of pedigree to articulate its policies for the populace to understand.
He stressed, however, that unlike in the past when he offered economic advice to the federal government, he would not do the same for the Tinubu administration because it has not acted like a friend to him.
Sanusi spoke in Lagos where he chaired the 21st Memorial Lecture of Gani Fawehinmi organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch.
The lecture had the theme “Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme?”
He said: “Is everything being done correctly? No. When I’m ready to discuss the economy, I will.
“I can provide insights into the challenges we face, how they were predictable, and even avoidable. But I won’t.
“I’ve chosen not to comment on the economy, reforms, or anything that could benefit this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t act like friends, I won’t act like one either.”
Sanusi also critised the government’s image makers.
“They don’t even have people with the pedigree to articulate their policies to the public. Let them explain to Nigerians why they are implementing these measures. I started out helping, but I’ve stopped.
“What we’re experiencing today is, at least in part, the result of decades of irresponsible management. People warned about the consequences of our actions, but those in power ignored them.”
Sanusi urged Nigerian lawyers to emulate the integrity and virtues of Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights activist and legal icon who died at 71 on 5 September 2009.
He lamented the decline of ethical standards in the legal profession, describing Fawehinmi as a symbol of good character and moral excellence.
Also speaking at the event, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo SAN, lauded the enduring legacy of Fawehinmi, describing him as a symbol of courage and justice.
Keyamo, represented by a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Henry Agbebire, in his goodwill message, praised the organisers of the lecture for ensuring Fawehinmi’s ideals remain a cornerstone of national discourse.
“The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi left an indelible mark on human rights advocacy, public service, and the legal profession. His legacy inspires us all with its courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man,” he said.
Reflecting on his own legal journey, Keyamo acknowledged Fawehinmi’s mentorship as pivotal in shaping his activism and career.
“As someone whose human rights activism began under the mentorship of Gani Fawehinmi, I take pride in the continued relevance of issues he championed, including citizens’ rights, accountable governance, and equitable public policy. These principles guide my work today.”
Keyamo commended the focus of the lecture on Nigeria’s economic challenges, expressing confidence that the discussions would generate ideas to promote sustainable development and social justice.
Other prominent guests at the event included NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN, Lagos Attorney General and Justice Commissioner Lawal Pedro SAN, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN.
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