*Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Minister for Information and National Orientation, urges His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians, stating the task of rebuilding the country requires 鈥榰nity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders鈥�, and not rhetoric that undermines public trust

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government says it acknowledged the recent remarks made at a public event, in Lagos, by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has introduced, at a recent public event in Lagos.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, fnipr, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, Thursday, January 16, 2025, who stated this Thursday, January 16, 2025, said the Nigerian Government noted the Emir’s acknowledgement of the noble initiatives which, he said, he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government”.

It is recalled that Emir Sanusi II said that he would not offer any advice to President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government on how to tackle the current economic challenges facing the country.

The Emir stated this Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehimi, held in Lagos.

Speaking as Chairman of the event, Sanusi stated that he started by helping the government, but that he has now resolved not to help the Nigerian Government again.

Responding to Sanusi鈥檚 statements at the forum, Idris stated: 鈥淔irst, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed, any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express opinion either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran.

鈥淗owever, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.鈥�

The Minister averred that it is pertinent to state that 鈥淣igeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

鈥淭his administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria鈥檚 long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.鈥�

He also stated that the temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.

Economic reforms already delivering measurable progress, says Idris

Minister Idris equally asserted that the reforms are already delivering measurable progress.

According to Idris, the unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria鈥檚 ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

He also emphasised that the removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors of the economy, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The Minister asserted: 鈥淧rojections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria鈥檚 GDP, signaling that our economy is firmly on the path to recovery.

鈥淎dditionally, by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.鈥�

The government, however, said noted that it is 鈥渄eeply disappointing that reforms widely recognised as essential by global experts, including by Emir Sanusi II himself, are now being subtly condemned by him because of shift in loyalty.鈥�

Idris said: 鈥淗is Highness, given his background in Economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his “friends” in government.

鈥淲e urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

鈥楻ebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders鈥�

Stressing the collective goal of attaining prosperous country, Minister Idris also noted that rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders.

He stated: 鈥淎s a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetoric that undermines public trust.

鈥淚nstead they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. 聽This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.

鈥淧resident Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.鈥�

Idris stated: 鈥淭he challenges we face demand courage and collective effort, not divisive narratives.

鈥淭his administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders, while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else.

鈥淟et history record this moment as a turning point鈥攚hen leaders and citizens alike choose to prioritise the nation鈥檚 destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all.鈥�

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