A section of X users has criticized Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for his response to Emir Sanusi Lamido of Kano over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, Sanusi, while speaking at the 2025 Gani Fawehinmi lecture on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Lagos, criticized the economic reforms and policies of the Tinubu-led administration. He stressed that the challenge of the government is getting the right individuals to explain its policies to Nigerians. He added that he wouldn't render any help because they stopped behaving like friends.
His attacks on this administration led to a reaction from the federal government, which was described in a statement as "deeply disappointing," stressing that the policies of the administration have been "widely recognized as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself."
He pointed out that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.
"This administration has implemented transformative reforms not because they are easy, but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated," he said.
The Minister said the temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are "necessary consequences of decades of irresponsible economic management" more than anything else.
The statement has since generated mixed reactions on social media.
Kabir with the handle @KB_Ozee wrote: "Why do you feel attacked? Your response is a testament that his message got the target. He acknowledged the laudable policies, but he said you guys aren't communicating it well enough and appropriately. Stop the rant and focus on the job, employ this same energy doing wht matters"
Proudly Yorùbá Ronú! with the handle @Segolopade said: "It's not everything you respond to, this is totally unnecessary."
Dr. Yakubu Sani Wudil with the handle @yakubwudil commented: "Sir, the emir did not explicitly condemn the ongoing reforms. He only declared not to explain these reforms to Nigerians as that may help the government. Sir, I suggest the people in government continue to be friends with the Emir to enjoy his free PR."
RealNigerian with the handle @Ogbeniallen1st wrote: "Rather than the usual attack on the messenger should u not have mentioned the measurable progress. How much is the foreign reserve now? Where is the GDP now? Sadly as usal An opportunity to brag about T-pain achievement is squandered again."
The fearless with the handle @Victorudofia12 commented: "I'm suprise that Bayo Onaniga is quick to respond to SANUSI'S statement less than 24 hours after Emir express his self. But Bayo Onaniga as not said anything about the killing of 40 farmers in Boron state for the past 4days. This is heartless from the govt of Tinubu."
Press Release
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) January 16, 2025
WE DON'T NEED SANUSI'S STAMP OF APPROVAL FOR FG's LAUDABLE POLICIES
The Federal Government notes the recent remarks by His Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, regarding the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, at a… pic.twitter.com/53umu0nh1p
